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An arduous ritual symbolising faith by Roque Dias (The Navhind Times) Margao Dec 2, 2003: Wrapping shawls around their shoulders to shield themselves from the biting cold, a couple from Velim, South Goa devoutly walks the 40 odd km to Old Goa. They undertake this annual ritual to express gratitude for favours received from St Francis Xavier. Mr Jose Fernandes and Ms Maninha Fernandes start walking at midnight on December 1 and reach Old Goa at around 3 p.m on December 2. �On reaching Old Goa, we have lunch and a short nap after which we proceed to hear the evening mass,� says Ms Maninha who is a housewife. They stay at Old Goa on the night of December 2 and at around 3 a.m on December 3, they stand in the long queue of devotees to kiss the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier after which they attend mass. So what motivates this couple to undertake this ritual every year? �I was employed on a ship and had come down for a vacation, some years back,� says Mr Jose. �As the time to board the ship approached, I noticed blisters on my hand which spread to my entire body. I could not board the ship. At this stage, my wife, who used to walk up to Old Goa with other devotees from Assolna prayed for my health to St Francis Xavier. Miraculously, I got better,� says Mr Jose. �We walk to Old Goa to fulfill the vow made by my wife,� he says. His wife has also been touched by the power of St Francis Xavier. She was suffering from a hearing problem which could not be cured despite visiting several doctors. An operation was suggested. In desperation, they prayed to St Xavier and she was cured. So strong is their faith in the saint that the couple have placed a huge portrait of him in their house. The couple regret that they were unable to complete their ritual this year. Due to the huge crowd owing to the Exposition, accommodation at Old Goa is difficult. However, they have decided to venerate their patron saint after the feast. - Forwarded by www.goa-world.com/goa/
