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Diocesan Centre for Missionary Animation plans to hold tours of Basilica, Se Cathedral

The Diocesan Centre for Missionary Animation director Fr Saturnino Dias said the centre is planning to organise tours of the two famous monuments - Basilica and Se Cathedral.

| NOVEMBER 19, 2017, 03:31 AM IST
Diocesan Centre for Missionary Animation plans to hold tours of Basilica, Se Cathedral

the goan I network
OLD GOA

People from Goa, India and the world visit Old Goa to see the historic churches of Goa - Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, St Francis of Assis Church and others.
Unfortunately, the Goans who visit the churches hardly have any knowledge about the importance and the historical significance of the monuments. So, to help the Goans understand better about the history of Old Goa and the world famous monuments, the Diocesan Centre for Missionary Animation is planning to organise tours of the two famous monuments, Basilica and Se Cathedral.
Divulging this to The Goan, director of the centre Fr Saturnino Dias said they are trying to organize tour of Basilica and Cathedral because what gets dished out sometimes is historically not true.
"We want to hold tours for our own associations or schools. So far, the plan is only for Basilica. We don't want to interfere with the guides but they are welcome to see our programme," Fr Dias stated while informing that the idea is to target the kids who visit Old Goa for an outing or a picnic.
"We will give them a demonstration at the animation centre and then take them for a round of the Basilica. Small questions would be entertained inside the monument but otherwise they can come back and ask questions."
"Sometimes children come here, roam around, play and go. Instead of that let them get knowledge and appreciate the art of the monuments," Fr Dias said. Divulging further, Fr Dias informed that material has already been given to the St Xavier's Academy for producing a film on the Basilica.
"After that film is completed, announcement would be made in the different parishes and schools of Goa that the tour facility is available at the centre," he stated.
When questioned whether they have approached the government authorities like Goa Tourism or the ASI for a tie-up, Fr Dias replied in the negative.
"So far, we have not approached the government agencies because of lengthy process of getting permissions. First, we will have tours for our own people. If the government agencies like it, then there could be a tie-up," he replied.

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