Canonization Process of Goan Priest Commences
Sun Mar 15 2009

We are pleased to inform you that canonization process of the late MGSR George Fernandes is on, Fr George hails from Goan, all Goans should be proud of.

From posting on goanet.org
Leslie Almeida; Andrean Notes - March 2009

Canonization process of the late mgsr George Fernandes for  the first time a priest from Mumbai and our ex-parish priest is being considered for sainthood.

It is indeed a matter of great rejoicing to note from the Examiner dated 17th January, 2009 that the Poor Sisters of Our Lady, Mumbai, whose order was established by Mgsr. George Fernandes in 1939 has taken up the cause of seeking Sainthood for their Founder, the Late Mgsr. George Fernandes known as the Lover of the Poor, in May 2008.

Mgsr. George Fernandes was Parish Priest of St. Andrew's Church from June 1961 till his death on 2nd June 1970. He is buried in front of Our Lady's Grotto in our church compound. During his tenure as Parish Priest, there were several vocations to the priesthood and religious life for which he was responsible. Through his spirituality, these vocations were nurtured. To name a few: Fr. Larry Pereira, Parish Priest Mt. Carmel Church, Fr. Guiseppe Rodrigues, Sr. Sadhana, earlier Principal St. Joseph's Convent, Bandra known as Winnie Fernandes, Sr. Janet Remedios, Sr. Angela Rodrigues, Sr. Emily Pereira, Fr. Austin Norris, etc.For the first time a priest from Mumbai is being considered for sainthood. Having got the go-ahead from the Archbishop of Mumbai, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, these nuns are in search of testimonies of people from parishes where Mgsr. George served.Sr. Cecilia deSouza, Holy Cross Convent, Church Road, Kuria, Mumbai 400070, is in charge of collecting information on his life, his dedication to God, his work with the poor etc and has requested that such information be forwarded to her.

We request parishioners who had interaction with Mgsr. George Fernandes to share their experiences and thoughts which can be collated to facilitate the process of his canonization.

Sr.Cecilia's contact details are:Tel No.25042991Email: hcconvent @ rediffmail.com   

Article from: http://psolonline.org/

Monsignor George Fernandes
Founder – The Poor Sisters of Our Lady

“He dreamed the impossible dream, He fought the unbeatable foe, He bore with unbearable sorrow, He ran where the brave dared not go. He righted the unrightable wrong, He loved pure and chaste from afar, He tried when his arms were too weary, He reached the unreachable star!”

It is fitting to apply these words to the late Msgr. George Fernandes for he indeed dreamed the impossible and reached the unreachable.

Born in Goa on April 23, 1903 to John Luis Fernandes and Isabella Ratton, Msgr. George was the second child of his parents. He studied up to Matriculation at the Goan Union High School and later joined the Papal Seminary at Kandy, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Bombay on September 23, 1929.

Fr. George’s first assignment was as Assistant at Our Lady of Salvation, Dadar, Bombay where he served for twelve years. His last Parish was St. Andrew’s, Bandra where he was Parish Priest and Dean of South-West Salsette from June 1961 till his sudden death in June, 1970. He was also a Diocesan Consultor and member of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission. He was appointed Domestic Prelate to the Pope with the title of Monsignor in 1961. In all, he served in eight Parishes in the Archdiocese during the 41 years of his priestly ministry.

A creative organizer, an excellent musician, a great educationist, a renowned preacher, a lover of the poor and needy, a pastor first and last – and above all a man of God - the memories of Msgr. George remain ever fresh, for the traits which endeared him to all.

It was typical that he founded the Sunday School at his first Parish – Dadar. He was its guide and stay in the years of its infancy. He gave it a name and a stamp and many other Parishes took the cue from his example. It was due to his initiative, ardent zeal and contagious enthusiasm that Sunday Schools grew and flourished.

But his crowning achievement must surely be the founding of a religious congregation – The Poor Sisters of Our Lady. Very few are given the grace for such a mission – and of those who are given the grace, very few have the courage of conviction to see it through. Msgr. George gently persuaded and prayed with those whom he felt were blessed with the vocation for the religious life, to form a diocesan congregation that was ‘home grown’; and soon he had a core group of seven young women who were eager to make this a reality. He approached the Archbishop of Bombay, The Rev. Thomas Roberts for approval to establish the congregation, which was readily granted. Msgr. George was assisted in this work by Very Rev. Fr. J.J. Dias, Vicar of Salvaçao Church, Dadar, Rev. Fr. Justin D’Souza, Chaplain at Orlem and a few lay people. Msgr. George continued to harvest vocations for our Institute, which had pride of place in his heart, till the time of his death.

Well known for his humility, simplicity, prayerfulness and forgiveness, he wore himself out in the service of the Lord – his attention was most particularly for the poor and the little ones. He suffered a massive heart attack and went home to God on June 2, 1970 at the age of 67. His mortal remains lie in front of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Andrew’s Church, Bandra.

Truly, the best flowers are plucked at full bloom for our Father’s garden.

An Evening of Education With Entertainment
March 6th 2009

TEGSA’s first seminar in a series of upcoming seminars was a huge success. There appears to be much interest in the notion of a guaranteed income retirement vehicle as was reflected by a large turnout of as many as 130 attendees including a few guests. The seminar was organized by Peter D’Souza who invited Mark Shimmin, Vice-President of Manulife Investments to make the presentation on Guaranteed Income.

Following a sumptuous snack plate, Charles introduced Peter D’Souza , a financial advisor for the past 20 years. Peter kicked off the seminar with a few jokes and a short introduction to Manulife’s Income Plus Program. Peter then introduced Mark Shimmin, to present the details of the program.

As many of us have no doubt experienced, a financial discussion can sometimes be a rather dry topic of conversation. Fortunately, Mark was a dynamic speaker who explained the pros and cons of the program with a graphical presentation and a touch of humour that was both entertaining and easy to follow. For every question that was asked, Mark handed out pens as a reward but quickly ran out as the audience was evidently eager to further understand their options.

At the end of the presentation, the audience had the opportunity to win a few prizes by completing a survey of their feedback. Mark pulled out 6 lucky winners who received great prizes of sweaters, notebooks and the Wealthy Barber written by David Chilton.

The evening ended with some line dancing and a round of bingo.

Mississauga Seniors’ Centre gets a $300,000 makeover
http://mississauga.com/printArticle/25243
2009-03-20

The Mississauga Senior Citizens' Centre is looking much better these days, thanks to a $300,000 makeover. The money, received last year from the City of Mississauga, has also helped the Cawthra Rd./QEW facility, located just beside Cawthra Community Centre, better serve its users.

The upgrades were needed as statistics show that, by 2026, 36 per cent of Mississauga's population will be 55 years of age or older. Through the City's Older Adult Plan, many of the centre's facilities were enhanced, including improvements in terms of accessibility (to restrooms and other areas), some of which are still works in progress.

Wendy Murdock, manager of the seniors' centre, said one of the main concerns that needed to be addressed was the ability to comfortably accommodate the growing number of seniors with osteoporosis. So, a new floor, one much easier on the body's joints, replaced the old hardwood floor in the centre's gymnasium. Other improvements include new programs such as Keep Fit for Bones, Yoga for Older Adults, OsteoFIT and Gentle Fit.

The centre has also received a fresh look. New floor tiles, ceilings and freshly painted walls liven up the facility, officials say. Billiards, an updated library and a new computer lab are also part of the new look.

"Social activities are just as important as physical ones," said Murdock, noting the seniors also spend time playing cards, among other pursuits.

Where is the Mississauga Seniors' Centre
1389 Cawthra Road
Cawthra Road, just south of the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), beside the Cawthra Community Centre.

For more information on the center, call Wendy Murdock, manager, Mississauga Seniors' Centre at 905-615-4810 ext. 2653 or e-mail wendy.murdock@mississauga.ca.

Mississauga is Canada's sixth largest city with a population of more than 700,000. With well-established infrastructure and state of the art facilities, the City is considered to be an employer of choice, delivering quality municipal programs and services to its citizens. Mississauga is a dynamic, diverse and progressive municipality, known for its economic strength and for being Canada's safest city.

Living on the Market
Book Review by Augusto Pinto
pintogoa@gmail.com
From posting on www.goanet.org

A profile of Ben Antao and a review of:

Living on the Market
By Ben Antao
Published: 2008
Publisher: Palabras-Press, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Cover Design: Rick McKenna
238 pages, Canadian $ 25.00

In 2008, the Velim-born Ben Antao came out with his fourth novel Living on the Market. Once a journalist with The Navhind Times and, later, the Indian Express, in 1966 he won a journalism fellowship awarded by the World Press Institute based at the Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota, for a year's study and travel in the United States. He then moved to Canada where he worked as a journalist, teacher, writer and certified financial planner. He has written five novels, several short stories, a play as well as a movie script based on his novel The Tailor's Daughter, besides a memoir and a travelogue of his visit to Sicily in Italy.

It is difficult to avoid the issue of self-publishing when writing about Ben Antao. Most of his books have taken this route to appearing in print. It says something about his self confidence that when he believes that he has something worthwhile to say, he is ready to put his money where his mouth is instead of waiting for a commercial publisher. The problem with commercial publishers is that their major consideration will be how much profit they can make. This is the reason for their lack of interest in books that have niche audiences. Thus many a promising writer remains unknown, or a manuscript which may not be written in a currently fashionable style stays unpublished.

Of course, in this regard, Antao follows a long list of distinguished Goan writers. As the writer Vivek Menezes points out, "It's not much of an exaggeration to say that if it weren't for self-publishing, Goans wouldn't have much of a literature at all. This is particularly true when you consider Konkani, but much the same situation exists across the board." The previous novels of the 74 year Antao alternate between Goan and Canadian themes and include Blood and Nemesis a tale of love and lust set during the era of the freedom struggle in Goa; Penance which examines Catholicism in Canada; and The Tailor's Daughter which looks at caste among Goan Catholics, especially those diaspora Goans known as the Afrikanders.

What makes Antao a very easy writer to read is his journalistic eye for detail as he describes events and scenes. In fact, they might make good film scripts given that he likes to sprinkle a lot of bedroom scene masala in them. His plot lines, although strong, tend to be fairly straightforward; but depth of characterization is not his forte. His language has an air of no-nonsense simplicity and his novels could be described, for want of a better term, as 'theme' novels. That is to say, the success of his novels depend mainly on how accurately he has accomplished the task of explicating his theme -- whether it is the prejudice generated by caste; or the atmosphere in Goa around the time of the freedom movement; or in the case of the book under review, how the stock market operates.

As the writer himself says, "My novels are plot driven as they explore the universal themes of sex and love, caste, religion and money. My characters serve as vehicles for these themes." Since he usually writes about things that he seems to have personally experienced, seen or heard about, his novels have a true to life feel about them. Antao's latest offering takes as his subject the worlds of the school system and of small-time stock market speculators in Canada, which is the backdrop of a family break-up.

The protagonist of the novel Doug Thomas, is a 41 year old 'supply' teacher, someone who is much like the Goan lecture-basis or contract-basis teacher only perhaps a little worse off as he gets called to teach only when a regular teacher is sick or absent. However in Doug's case he does it out of choice, as this relieves him of the drudgery of doing routine school work which he finds boring; and frees him to play the stock market. However this puts him under pressure, especially when there is no supply teaching like during school vacations, as he has to figure out how to provide for his wife Gladys and their two children. While in the previous two years Doug has managed to be reasonably successful in his speculations, he is not going to be third time lucky.

A crisis erupts when Doug gambles away all his family's money on the market. Along with the market crash his family life crumbles too, as his wife is not prepared to put up with a wastrel and they are separated. The novel takes us through the ups and downs of his life as he tries to fight off a life of penury and depression. Antao weaves in and out of the minds of his characters, revealing their motivations. Annoyingly, most seem to worship Mammon in their hearts, and cannot conceive of anything other than a consumerist lifestyle. Although none of them is very complex, each is sufficiently well crafted to hold our interest.

There is Doug's wife Gladys who would probably shock Goan sensibilities. She abandons her husband not because of any infidelity or infertility but only because of the piffling matter of his financial improprieties even though she loves him. Then there is Clem Perry a teacher colleague at a
school where Doug offers his supply teaching, whose hints to him about the risks that the market holds for the gullible are not heeded by Doug. Another major character who is clearly defined is the
stock-broker Bill Mackenzie who fawns on Doug in good times and cuts him dead when he is broke.

For those who want a gentle entry into the mysteries of the stock market this book gives an outline of the keywords. It is peppered with terms such as call options; bull and bear phases; marginable securities and so on. However one also has to sometimes bear with dialogue and passages which sound as if it comes from a seminar conducted by a stock broker or a financial planner, which incidentally happens to be one of Ben Antao's occupations.

All in all, Living on the Market can be safely recommended as an excellent and enjoyable read. Copies of the book are available with the author "Ben Antao" <ben.antao@rogers.com>

Augusto Pinto lives at Novo Portugal in Moira, and is a lecturer in English at Panjim. He is known for his Konkani-to-English translations and is on mobile +91 9881126350

Immigrate The Easy Way With Just One Spray of Instant Eh!

The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) launched a tongue-in-cheek multilingual advertising campaign designed to shed light on a very important issue - immigration fraud. Consumers of immigration consulting services need to be aware that their best protection lies in hiring a member of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants, of a provincial bar or of the Chambre des notaires du Québec. (CNW Group/Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants)

TORONTO, March 18 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) launched a tongue-in-cheek multilingual advertising campaign designed to shed light on a very important issue - immigration fraud. "It's no laughing matter when someone's dream of immigrating to Canada is crushed. The advertisement reminds people that the old adage is true, if something sounds too good to be true, it is," said John Ryan, Chair and Acting CEO, CSIC. CSIC members are dedicated to protecting the hopes and dreams of prospective immigrants who want to make Canada their home. A CSIC member is qualified to assist a prospective immigrant understand the various stages of the immigration process and they are required to have the most up-to-date information on immigration law.

Consumers of immigration consulting services need to be aware that their best protection lies in hiring a member of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants, of a provincial bar or of the Chambre des notaires du Québec. "It's the law. They are the only ones who can appear before the government on behalf of an immigrant who is paying for immigration service," continued Ryan.

CSIC is the professional regulatory body for immigration consultants in Canada. Established in 2004 it currently has more than 1400 members. CSIC's mandate is to protect consumers of immigration consulting services. Consequently, it is responsible for ensuring the education, competency testing and the discipline of its members. CSIC also requires its members to carry errors and omissions insurance and to contribute to a compensation fund.

Uganda & Indians...

From e-mail sent through Roy Pacheco

Kampala, Nov 26 - Thirty-five years after former dictator Idi Amin booted them out lock, stock and barrel, Indians are again returning to Uganda in large numbers and helping to rebuild an economy that was shattered following their exodus.

The capital Kampala is again dotted with Indian-run stores and businesses, and Indian faces are a familiar sight on the streets. A Bank of Baroda billboard stands proudly in the city centre, with a beaming face of Mahatma Gandhi. There are also plenty of Hindu temples and - in keeping with the diversity of Indians - very many local Indian community associations.

Indian High Commissioner Niraj Srivastava puts the number of Indians, including people of Indian origin, in Uganda, at nearly 20,000, although only about 2,000 of the estimated 55,000 forced to quit the country in 1972 have chosen to return. Most others are beginning life anew in Uganda, opening a variety of shops and business establishments. There are also those who have come to the 'pearl of Africa' - a country of 30 million -- to work in different industries. 'The Indian community has recaptured the position it once had,' said Srivastava. 'Today Indians are present in all sectors including manufacturing. They are employing tens of thousands of Ugandan people.'

Agreed Jery Pacheco, who runs a popular restaurant, The Coconut Shack, and has lived here for 17 long years. 'Yes, Indians are coming back to Uganda - and in large numbers. You can see them everywhere. And they are successful too,' Pacheco, who is from Goa, told IANS. The Indian Association of Uganda is the leading community body that plays an active role in binding the many Indian groupings in the country. It brings out a publication, Namaste, which spreads the message of India to them.

Besides the Indian Association of Uganda, there are also the Andhra Cultural Association, Bengali Association, Indian Women Association, Jain Samaj of Uganda, Kerala Samajam, Karnataka Sangha, Lohana Community, Maharashtra Mandal, Ramgarhia Sikh Society, Sindhi Association of Uganda, Tamil Sangam, Youth League, Rajasthani Association, Arya Samaj, Indian Catholic Community of Uganda and Khoja Shia Ithnasheri Community and Khoja Shia Ismaili Jamat.

There are at least a dozen shrines set up by Indians, including a Jain temple, a Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and a gurudwara in Kampala and a Ganesh Mandir at Entebbe, the nearest town where Ugandas' International Airport Is located. There are also two churches and two mosques. 'Today Indians control more and more businesses,' said James Mwangi, a Ugandan businessman who is into hospitality management. 'So many shops are run by Indians. As of now they are the largest expatriate business community, ahead of even Kenyans.'

Kenya , a larger and prosperous country, is Ugandas' immediate neighbour.

Note: No Goans! Unless Jery Pacheco and Joe Whisky are not there anymore.

President Obama Nominates Jonnie Carson As Asst. Sec. Of State For Africa
Fri Mar, 20 2009
http://www.thetimesofnigeria.com/Article.aspx?id=1533

President Barack Obama today announced the nomination of seasoned diplomat, Ambassador Jonnie Carson as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. Until his nomination Carson was the National Intelligence Officer for Africa on the National Intelligence Council.

He joined the NIC in September 2006 after a 37-year career in the Foreign Service. Prior to this appointment, Carson served as the Senior Vice President of the National Defense University in Washington D.C. (2003-2006).

Carson's Foreign Service career includes ambassadorships to Kenya (1999-2003), Zimbabwe (1995-1997), and Uganda (1991-1994); and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs (1997-1999). Earlier in his career he had assignments in Portugal, Botswana, Mozambique, and Nigeria.

He has also served as desk officer in the Africa section at State's Bureau of Intelligence and Research; Staff Officer for the Secretary of State (1978-1979), and Staff Director for the Africa Subcommittee of the US House of Representatives (1979-1982). Before joining the Foreign Service, Ambassador Carson was a Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania.  He has a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Drake University and a Master of Arts in International Relations from the School of Oriental and Africa Studies at the University of London.
 
Ambassador Carson is the recipient of several Superior Honor Awards from the Department of State and a Meritorious Service Award from Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. The Centers for Disease Control presented Ambassador Carson its highest award, "Champion of Prevention Award," for his leadership in directing the US Government's HIV/AIDS prevention efforts in Kenya.

Senator Russ Feingold, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommitee on African Affairs has hailed Carson’s choice describing him as “an accomplished career foreign service officer.”

“President Obama’s nomination of Johnnie Carson to be Assistant Secretary for African Affairs is a strong choice. Carson is an accomplished career foreign service officer with an excellent track record on African issues spanning many decades and a range of positions. Carson has a deep understanding of our diplomatic capacities and the importance of regular interagency collaboration. I look forward to considering his nomination and hearing how he and the administration plan to address the many challenges we face on the African continent.” Feingold said in a statement.