Out of Place

26.8.8 925pm Old Goa


Out of Place

Sometimes I think I'm the one out of place, but then things happen that remind me that I'm not nearly as out of place as Indians think I am. For example, today I saw two things that any one would agree were completely out of place.

First, on the train from Madgaon to Old Goa, I was standing and looking outside of a door when all of a sudden... a PEACOCK. In Nature. That’s right let me repeat. A PEACOCK. IN NATURE. Everyone knows they don't belong out there... let alone in India!

Second, as I was strolling the Christian Art gallery in Old Goa, I came across something that caused me to stop, kneel and pray. A reliquary of the TRUE CROSS! IN AN ART MUSEUM! The VERA CRUX does not belong in an art museum, but in a place of high reverence! If I had the choice between what/who I should visit first, in Old Goa, it would be: The Eucharist in a tabernacle, the Vera Crux, and then Francis Xavier. And I'm sure he'd want it that way.

In the art museum I did see some craftsmanship beyond spectacular... a gorgeous silver monstrance, in the shape of a pelican upon a globe, feeding her children from her pierced breast. The symbolism is this: pelicans were believed to pierce their own breasts to feed their children, representing Christ giving birth and life to the Church with His pierced side on the cross.

(Basilica Bom Jesus, where St. Francis Xavier is entombed)

As I was leaving the art museum and after visiting the Our Lady of the Rosary church (my patroness, October 7th), I continued my prayer from earlier in the day that God would prepare a room for me. And though up to that point I had only negatives to pilgrim's housing, I prayed and kept going, with the intent of going to a hotel if nothing else. Just as I was about to round the corner to catch the bus to Panji, I noticed a Xavier sister's religious good's store... so I (after too much wavering) decided to go and ask about housing.


The sister initially didn't have anything for me, but after a few questions, she recommended me to a convent down the road (less than 2 minutes walk)... Our Lady of Angels.

Upon arriving, I followed the path that seemed right and ended up running into a novice who asked if I was here for a room. To which I said yes.

They asked if it was okay that the water was slow, to which I said it would be okay. Later I would discover that the shower didn't work, and I had to take a bucket shower... which was even more perfect.


I've been seeking comfort, and thanks be to God that I asked Him to prepare my room and not me. I need to remember the basics, and remember that comfort breeds contempt of God. It's funny because its not that God desires us to not be comfortable, but that when we are comfortable, we fail to remember our Call; we fail to remember our baptism and the mandate we were given.


(St. Francis Xavier)

After an hour nap, I was able to go to mass today, yet again in a new language... which is beautiful and also a bit difficult. Luckily the priest did say a few words in English for his homily "act justly, love gently and walk humbly before God." I'm also getting pretty good at mimicking songs... even though I can't tell you exactly what I'm singing, I do my very best to join in every song.

After mass I went to see the sea at see the sea (Miramar). It was beautiful. There is something about watching the light dim across the world as water laps across your feet, that just brings peace to my soul. It's as if God is slowly covering His children with a fuzzy blanket.


(Carnival on the way to Miramar)


I was going to go eat at a famous local restaurant that served Portuguese food (oh how I want a steak), but as I was approaching on foot, I realized I wouldn't have time to catch the bus back to Old Goa if I did... and considering that I AM a pilgrim, and a poor one at that, I decided that the rich restaurant and the taxi cab ride home, would cost too much, both in wisdom and in cash. So I took the bus home instead... which was packed like sardines (of course). And luckily found one restaurant near my home open. Where I ate fish curry, mackerel, and had a Foster's. All for about half the price of the dish I would have had at the Portuguese restaurant. And now I prepare for tomorrow, and my train and then bus ride.


Blessings to all!

Oh and one last thing, I had tried earlier in the day to make some relics of St. Francis Xavier, but I was unable to as his tomb is 20-30 feet off the ground... but luckily after mass, there was a reliquary of his, that I was able to touch my rosary and ring to!


(St. Francis Xavier)

Blessings again, and shuba ratri. (good night)
957pm