Goa Grieves for Pope John Paul II
"May he who built communion in the world, enjoy in fullness his communion with God the Father" was the theme of a special solemn mass at the Se Cathedral, Old Goa, on the occasion of the funeral of Pope John Paul II on April 5. The Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Revered Filipe Neri Ferrao presided over the solemn pontifical mass that was concelebrated by the Archbishop Emeritus, Rev Raul Gonsalves, and a large number of priests for the repose of the soul of Pope John Paul II, who died on April 2. Prayers were conducted in several churches and chapels across the state on April 4. Expressing deep grief by the passing away of Pope John Paul II, Archbishop Felipe Neri Ferrao recalled the Holy Father as a “Global Statesman, inaugurating a new order of international solidarity. Meanwhile, the Catholic Secular Forum, an independent Christian clergy organisation here, called upon the 16 million Catholics in India to pray for city Archdiocese Cardinal Ivan Dias to get elected as the next Pope following the demise of Pope John Paul II.

Tony and Edna promote Goan flavour
	Tony and Edna Fernandes, from Mississauga, Ontario-Canada, published the second edition of their respective books while holidaying in their native village Parra-Goa recently. Tony's book "Goa: Memories of My Homeland" captures the "simple, rustic life of Goa" through poetic outpouring, short stories, articles and artistic sketches. Edna's rare volume on "Savour The Flavour of India" is a collection of tried and tested Goan and other Indian recipes" just the way mother made them" is virtually sold out. Though away from homeland since 1998, these "Goan ambassadors" live and think Goan always. For more text click here.
Tony and Edna

'Star Cruise'
Leading cruise operator in the Asia Pacific, Star Cruises, would start Mumbai-Lakshadweep-Goa service from September to popularise cruise tourism in the country. Chee-Tut Chong, chief operating officer of Star Cruises, said on April 13, that Star Cruises would deploy 'SuperStar Libra' having a carrying capacity of 1500 persons on board for the cruise.

Navy holds on to Dabolim
Dabolim, the largest naval air base in India, will continue to be the main naval air station in the country, even after the Karwar naval station is made operational, said the flag officer commanding-in-chief of western region, Vice Admiral Madanjit Singh. Adm Singh said the airport was being upgraded by the naval authorities. He informed that Indian navy would soon acquire 16 state-of-the-art MiG-29k, the naval version of the aircraft from Russia and these aircraft would be stationed in Goa.

Delicious Mancurada
Goa's king among mangoes, Mancurada, delighted palates in London and hopes of avenues for exports being opened up have been raised after it impressed many at an international food exhibition recently. The Directorate of Agriculture had participated for the first time in one of the top global food exhibitions at Excel. Back home, however, it's mid-April and king fruit mango is yet to be within the reach of common man. The most delicious and favourite variety of mango 'mancurada' is being sold for Rs.300 to Rs.350 per dozen.