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Statue erected of 18th century priest, pioneer in hypnotism

Local government in Goa hopes depiction of Father Jose Custodio de Faria attracts tourists
Statue erected of 18th century priest, pioneer in hypnotism
Published: November 15, 2016 06:04 AM GMT
Updated: November 15, 2016 06:04 AM GMT

As part of a bid to attract tourists, the state government in the coastal Indian state of Goa have erected a statue of a 18th century Goan Catholic monk who is considered a pioneer in hypnotism.

A life size bronze statue of Father Jose Custodio de Faria, popularly known as Abbe Faria, was erected Nov. 12 at a busy intersection frequented by tourists in the western state, a former Portuguese colony.

At his feet is a woman he is hypnotizing.

The statue is a part of a program launched by the government in Condolim, the beach village of his birth.

Tomazinho Cardozo, a  former speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, said the priest was famous in Europe for his pioneering work in the scientific study of hypnotism.

Abbe Faria reportedly used hypnotism as a way to treat illness and his work led to the establishment of eight institutions researching hypnotherapy in several countries.

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