Goa, Jan. 10 -- Of the many problems facing the structure of the Basilica, the most urgent problem to be attended to in my opinion is the unplastered laterite walls of the Basilica. The exposed laterite stones on the exterior of the Basilica on the East, North and West are badly worn out in practically all the places over the years. However, in some places they are extremely worn out, especially where the wind and rain lashes at it during the monsoons. There are other elements that contribute to this deterioration, namely the type of laterite stone used in those places.

The Basilica was inaugurated in 1605 complete with lime plaster and whitewash. It was only in the early 1950s that the plaster was removed on the three sides to make it a...