Roman Catholicism in Goa

Roman Catholicism was seen in Goa mainly after the start of Portuguese rule in the area, particularly along the central coast, which Lisbon ruled from the early to mid sixteenth century onwards. Almost all the present day Goan Catholics are converts to the religion.

How did Roman Catholicism come to Goa?

One description

Goa-based poet Manohar Shetty, witing in Tehelka weekly's issue of September 9, 2006 describes the community thus: Cquotetxt|The Roman Catholic community is a major minority in Goa. Though their numbers here have fallen from 38 percent of the population in 1960 to 26.6 percent in 2001, they are still a vibrant and influential presence. Contrary to popular notions of the "sossegado" -- laid-back -- Goan, they are an industrious, politically active, enterprising community, with a long history of migration to East Africa, Portugal, Canada, the UK and the Middle East. Together with Goa's low birth rate (the lowest in the country), this departure for better opportunities abroad has led to their numbers dwindling back home. But Goa would not be Goa without their combative, effusive spirit, their robust tiatr (from the Portuguese "teatro", for theatre) and their enigmatic and chequered political leadership.

|This article by Tehelka weekly, Goa.| [cite web
url=http://tehelka.com www.tehelka.com
title=Roman Catholic community of Goa.
publisher=Tehelka weekly, Goa
accessdate=2008-03-12
author=Goa-based poet, Manohar Shetty]

Conversions

Roman Catholicism in Goa has seen a tumultous period in the past, and, in the context of current-day contestations of political space on religious grouns, Goa is pointed to by some as an example of the persecution of Hindus and non-Catholics under the Goa Inquisition. However, the counter-view is that the 'Goa Inquisition was not targeted against people of other faiths, but against Catholics themselves who were suspected of not being determined enough in practising their religion.

See Also

*Goan Catholics
*Christianity in India

Notes

References

External links