Photo By William Rodrigues

An archive photograph (taken by Souza & Paul) of the Pilar Monastery: Founded in 1613 by the Retormad Franciscans it was here that they established the school of science, art and theology. When in 1835 the Portuguese Government ordered that all institutions be shut down the Monastery remained uninhabited for many years. In the year 1854 the Portuguese Governor permitted some Carmelite Diskals to inhabit the place. It was only in 1888 after the death of the last Carmelite, the convent became the abode of the Missionaries of Saint Francis Xavier.