Lissy Maruthanakuzhy
Panaji, January 4, 2025:- For the Starman of Goa, 69-year old Anthony Rodrigues of Agassaim, the star which guided the three Wise men of the East is an inspiration to make stars every year.
“They reached Christ following the star. I want children to remember this inspiring story, so I teach them to make stars,” says Anthony who decorated the lane in front of his house with more than 1000 stars this year.
“This year I began to make the stars in June,” explained Anthony who began this mission since 19 years. He crafts the stars with bamboo and paper.
This year in honour of St Francis Xavier he has depicted a scene from the life of the Saint, where a crab returns the saint, the lost crucifix from the water.
This year auxiliary Bishop Simiao Purificaçao Fernandes of Goa and Daman blessed and inaugurated the display of stars, said Anthony, with a smile of joy, who also rendered his service as a volunteer at Old Goa, during the 45 days’ exposition of the Sacred relics of St Francis Xavier.
“Anthony the star man has very artistically and meticulously displayed the stars and decorations. It is really very tedious job to make these stars. I admire his commitment and enthusiasm to make more and more stars every year. I appreciate his desire to teach the younger generation to make stars instead of buying ready-made stars,” observed Daughters of St Paul sister Flora Fernandes.
Rodrigues says he will continue lighting up the stars he makes for as long as he is healthy and fit. The stars at Agassaim will be on view till January 7, 2023.
“I have seen him making the stars. His commitment is great, said one of the neighbors’ who dropped in to talk to the visitors admiring the stars.
Earlier Anthony has rendered 33 year’s service at Goa Medical College, at the laundry department.
“This year more than 30,000 people have visited the stars,” disclosed Anthony with content.
“I am an artist and I teach children to make stars. However they are not interested. They like to buy the stars,” Anthony said with a note of disappointment.
Anthony has also visited educational institutions and taught many children over the years to make the stars. Once he also conducted a workshop on making stars, at Santa Monica Museum, Old Goa. He is happy that his wife Soccurine also appreciates his work and support him.