Panjim Sightseeing - Statue of Abbe Faria

Just beside the Secretariat in Panjim is the statue of Abbe Faria depicting a priest hypnotizing a woman. Abbe Jose Custodia Faria was born in 1756 in Candolim. He had quite an interesting childhood as both his parents separated. His father became a priest and his mother a nun. After his education in Rome he was bestowed priesthood. He tried to end the Portuguese and British regime in India. He also took part in the French Revolution. During this point of time in his life he became famous as the originator of hypnotism through suggestions. Based on this achievement is the bronze statue built in Panjim. Even after he died in Paris he still remained immortal as Alexander Dumas included him as a character in his celebrated novel ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ where he was referred to as the Mad Monk. It was mostly based on the adventurous life led by Abbe Faria.