-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Add your name to the CLEAN GOA INITIATIVE | | | | by visiting this link and following the instructions therein | | | | http://shire.symonds.net/pipermail/goanet/2005-October/033926.html | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- For pictures, please see the website:
http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=15452&n_tit=Goa-Colva%3A+' Fama'+Celebrated+at+Our+Lady+of+Merces+Church News -- Goa-Colva: 'Fama' Celebrated at Our Lady of Merces Church >From Sanjay Borkar in Margao for Daijiworld News Network - Goa Margao, Oct 18: Fama of Infant Jesus at Colva's Our lady of Merces church was celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm. Colva which is renowned not only for its beautiful beaches, but also for this event, which is celebrated over the nine days before the feast of this church. From Tuesday the Novenas in preparation for feast will begin. The historical church of Our lady of Merces is also knownas Kakutichi Saibin in Konkani and Nossa Senhora de Merces in Portuguese. Once in a year at the day of Fama, the statue of Infant Jesus is taken out from the altar in a procession. Devotees who come from every corner of Goa and the neighboring states take the kiss of the Jesus statue and seek favours. On the occasion of 'Fama' on Monday, the High Mass was held at 6 am, and thereafter the statue of Jesus was bought down from the Altar. Including 6 am Mass, eight Masses were held. History has it that the statue of the Infant Jesus was found in year 1640 by Fr Bento Ferreira. In 1648, when Fr Ferreira became the first vicar of the Colva church, he bought the statue of Infant Jesus to the same church, and after some days, it is believed, he noticed some miracles taking place because of the statue. Thereafter people all around came to know about the statue's miracles, the 'Fama' event was introduced. Those who suffer from problems like being issueless visit this church and pray to Infant Jesus for the blessing of a child. It is fervently believed that such prayers made here are answered. This statue has the power to heal the sick, said many devotees. Sick and old people were taken into the church through a special door. Some students from the local school were seen helping these people, to take them inside the church and to help them kiss infant Jesus. Devotees, with strong faith in Infant Jesus, were seen standing in the scorching sun in long queues outside the church area. Last year, 90 thousand-plus devotees' visit was recorded, while this figure has crossed one lac by late evening. All sections of the society come and pray to God at this event. Devotees said that they believed in the miracles of Infant jesus, which makes them to arrive at colva every year to present on the event. And when they returnhome, without fail they buy the 'Bentinn' as a token of protection. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 1st Young Goans International Essay contest 2005 | | | | Theme: WHAT CAN I DO FOR GOA | | More details at | | http://shire.symonds.net/pipermail/goanet/2005-October/034190.html | --------------------------------------------------------------------------
