PASTORAL LETTER 2010
Christian Family build the Church – so teach the Fathers of the Church.19 We are witnessing, in present-day Goa, an escalation of disrespect for life, of infidelity, alcoholism, domestic violence, waste of money and of the lure of the world.20 In the Year dedicated to the Families, our Pastoral Letter had reflected upon family life, enabling us to enrich it and ourselves with grace.21
Fidelity, love, respect and sacrifice in a family are much needed to deepen married life. But today, Christian values are fading away in many of the families, opening the way to worldly storms which lead to destruction. Families are being ruined by the decline of patience and forgiveness among couples. Mutual misgivings and suspicions have increased, as couples fail to spend time together. Carnal passions lead towards an increased unfaithfulness. Parents are being overly discouraged as their children fail to respect them and to be grateful for their deprivations and sufferings.22 The problem of addiction of any of the family members has led to the destruction of peace and wellbeing in the family. Let us preserve what works for the unity of the family and shun whatever destroys it. Let us build our families on lasting, and not on transient values.
3. JOSEPH VAZ: A TRUE WITNESS IN THE CHURCH
Joseph Vaz tried to live his priesthood to the hilt. There was an antagonism then between the Padroado and the Propaganda. This had cast a shadow on the Christian religion. In this situation, Joseph Vaz was sent by his superiors in Goa as Vicar Forane to Kanara. There, out of love for the suffering members of the Church,
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19 Cf. Familiaris, nos. 13, 15.
20 Cf. SDS, no. 59.
21 Cf. Gonvllik Chitt, Porom’ Sonvskar ani amche Ghorabe, 2005-2006.
22 Cf. SDS, no. 59.