Gonsalo Garcia - in Bassein Fort

In Bassein Fort

Gonsalo Garcia spent eight precious years (1564-1572) in the Bassein Fort. The fort was reserved for the European people and their servants. According to the policy adopted by the Portuguese government, any Portuguese who got married with the local women was given certain privileges. So Gonsalo’s father who permitted to quit the job and stayed in the fort as an ordinary layman, and because of that their family came to reside inside the fort. He stayed with the Jesuits in their house known as ‘Church of Holy Name (now known as St. Gonsalo Garcia Church)’. Here St. Gonsalo Garcia came into contact with Fr. Sabastian Gonsalves who became his friend, philosopher and guide throughout his life. During his stay in the Jesuit house, he studied Grammar, Philosophy and Roman History.