Unveiling the Hidden World of Pensao in Goa

Strategic Insights -

The rich history of Goan culture is marred by a deep-rooted custom, pensao, where properties are donated with the condition of offering Masses for the original owners. This practice, rooted in the conversion era, created a complex web of obligations and superstitions that continue to affect families to this day. Despite the passing of time, the burden of these encumbrances remains, leaving families to deal with haunted houses, unfulfilled duties, and a legacy of fear.

Key Takeaways:

  • The origins of pensao date back to the conversion era, when converts and Portuguese noblemen donated properties with conditions like Masses, which can also be converted into works of charity.
  • In 1759, the Portuguese government expelled the Jesuits, and in 1835, all other religious orders were shown the door from Goa, resulting in the confiscation of their properties and the establishment of new obligations.
  • Many families owning properties with pensao have been reduced to poverty or suffered from diseases, and some have witnessed paranormal activities like haunted houses and "pensavachem bhat," where fruit from trees in a property is not plucked but left to rot.
  • Across Goa, on All Souls' Day, Catholics make their annual visit to cemeteries to pray for the souls of their departed and offer Masses for the original owners of their properties.
  • The tradition of pensao is maintained by some families, who continue to offer Masses and pray for the souls of their ancestors, while others are unaware of these obligations and ignore them.
  • The books "Pensoes Administrados Pelos Cofres de Goa," "Bens Pensionados," and "Legados Pios" detail the number of Masses to be offered for each property across different villages, registered at the Archbishop's House.

Statistics:

  • The Dön of pensao dates back to the 16th century, when Christianity was introduced to Goa.
  • In 1759, the Portuguese government confiscated the properties of the Jesuits, resulting in the establishment of new obligations.
  • 1835: All other religious orders were shown the door from Goa, resulting in the confiscation of their properties.
  • 11 Masses are annually offered by the Rodrigues-Rebelo family in the intention of Manoel Rebelo, who gifted this house to their great grandfather.
  • The book "Pensoes Administrados Pelos Cofres de Goa" details the number of Masses to be offered for each property across different villages, registered at the Archbishop's House.

Sources:

  • Maria Aurora Couto, "Goa: A Daughter's Story"
  • Fr Mousinho de Ataide, professor of Latin for post-graduate students at the Seminary of Our Lady in Saligao
  • Shastri Rodrigues Rebelo, a descendant of the family that inherited a house with a pensao
  • "Pensoes Administrados Pelos Cofres de Goa"
  • "Bens Pensionados"
  • "Legados Pios" by Canon Francisco Xavier Vaz
  • Times of India