Decaying Paintings at Rachol Seminary, Goa Archana Verma Rachol Seminary in the Raia village of Goa stands on the foundations of a fort built by the Islamic rulers who ruled over Goa before the Portuguese rule. In 1576, the Church was built here on the hillock surrounded by the paddy fields and the cashew nut plantations. The Church still owns much of this land which generates a revenue for the Seminary. The Church was dedicated to St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit Order. For some time, this structure served as a prison. The labyrinths of the building are a testimony to this. In 1762, the seminary was added to the Church and became a prominent centre for theological learning. Today, this Seminary is still attended by the local villagers from nearby. Apart from providing them regulars service, this Seminary houses invaluable art treasures from the entire Christian history of Goa, beginning from the 16th century. I had the occasion to visit this Seminary in December 2008. I
Comments