The empty tomb, a cornerstone of Christian theology, stands as a profound symbol of absence that paradoxically births presence, loss that ignites hope, and death that yields life. The Gospel narrative poses the question, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5), inviting reflection on how absence can provoke a transformative desire for recovery. There are...
Goans as People of Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday, the liminal day nestled between the crucifixion of Good Friday and the resurrection of Easter Sunday, occupies a unique theological space in the Christian narrative. It is a day of waiting, of silence, of uncertainty—a day that resists the linear progression from death to life and invites believers to dwell in the tension of the “in-between.” For...
Between “It Is Finished” and “It is Consumed”: Seeking a theology of Tourism
Goa, with its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, and deep Christian heritage, is more than a tropical paradise—it’s a living tapestry of faith, history, and modernity. With the growth of tourism in our postcolonial times, Goa offers a unique opportunity for theology of tourism which can indeed be a contribution to other tourist hosting communities. Here I humbly try to...
The Decolonial Voice of ‘Romi Konkani’
In the postcolonial landscape of Goa, the struggle over the script of the Konkani language—between the state-endorsed Nagri (Devanagari) script and the Roman (Romi) script historically used by Goan Catholicsaë as well as Hindus —reveals a deeper contestation over identity, power, and decoloniality. The imposition of Nagri as the sole official script for Konkani by the Goan state marginalizes...
Plasticity of Art
Catherine Malabou, a French philosopher often associated with poststructuralism and contemporary continental philosophy, is best known for her concept of plasticity, which profoundly informs her engagement with art. Her thought bridges philosophy, neuroscience, psychoanalysis, and aesthetics, offering a dynamic framework for understanding artistic creation, reception, and transformation. Below, I explore Malabou’s philosophy, focusing on plasticity and its implications for...
Mimesis as Resistance: Goan-ness as a Decolonial Force
Goan-ness, the vibrant cultural identity of Goa, is more than a regional marker—it is a living, breathing assertion of life against the weight of colonial history. Forged in the crucible of Portuguese colonization, Goan-ness emerges as a decolonial force, a creative act of resistance that subverts imposed structures while generating a distinct way of being. By drawing on Luce...
Celebrating St. Francis Xavier Through Art and the Sources of Goan Life
In the heart of Goa, where the vibrant hues of culture blend seamlessly with the sacred shades of faith, a unique art exhibition titled Goycho Saib Goychea Akaran: Goycho Saib in the Hues and Shades of Goa has emerged to celebrate the birthday of St. Francis Xavier, affectionately known as Goycho Saib. Organized as part of the rich tapestry...
St. Francis Xavier Reimagined in Goan Hues
In the quiet hum of Goa’s cultural heartbeat, an extraordinary art exhibition is unfolding to celebrate the birthday of St. Francis Xavier, the revered Goycho Saib . Titled Goycho Saib Goychea Akaran—translated as “St. Francis in the Hues and Shades of Goa”— brings together 34 artists to explore a radical reimagination of the Saint. Far from confining him to...
Thinking Art with Slavoj Žižek
Slavoj Žižek’s philosophical framework offers a unique lens to understand art’s role in society. Drawing on psychoanalysis, Marxism, and pop culture, Žižek approaches art as a site of ideological struggle, sublime disruption, and existential inquiry. Our art exhibition, “Goycho Saib,” featuring paintings of St. Francis Xavier in the hues and shades of Goa, can be seen as a disruption...
Art as Performative: Enacting Synodality
Art has long been a dynamic medium of expression, reflection, and contestation. When viewed through the lens of performativity, art becomes an active process that shapes and is shaped by the world around it. By combining Michel Foucault’s theories of discursive practices and Judith Butler’s concept of performativity, we can explore how art functions as a dynamic act that...
