-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | | Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The traditional Feast of Three Kings Feast of Epiphany was celebrated today at the Chapel of "Nossa Senhora dos Remedios", Our Lady of Remedies atop the picturesque Cuelim hilltop, at Cansaulim Mormugao Taluka Velhas Conquistas today 6/6/2005. King Gaspar was Emperor of the Orient who presented the gift of frankincense. King Melchor was King of Ethiopia who presented myrrh. King Baltazar was King (Sultan) of Arabia, who presented gold. The Feast of each of them as Saints is celeberated on 6th 7th and 8th January each year. This year three children did the honours for the role of Kings (Maggi)Joshua Rodrigues s/o David & Laura Rodrigues Nikhil Tavora s/o Francisco & Vrida Tavora and Shane Apollo Fernandes s/o John Paul and Holima Fernandes are invariably from CAC viz Cansaulim Arrosim and Cuelim. These children came atop horses ( brought from Belgaum ) and the hot temperature probably left the youngsters exhausted. The traditional brass band was provided by San Gonsal of Cujira Santa Cruz a 7 piece band with Ms Dona Maria Pereira an XI standard student (trumpet) and another 6 piece band headed by Agnelo Rodrigues.
The traffic arrangements were good despite the crowd thanks to a two way lane constructed a few years ago by the MLA Mr Mathany Saldanha which has been a boon for those attending the feast. The Chapel site provides an excellent panaromic view of the entire Salcete and Mormugao (to some extent). It may be noted that it was the desire of the present MLA to instal the statue of "Christ Rei" Christ the King (like in Portugal) at this site to make it a tourist centre. Needless to state that this plan did not materialise, but it would be worth considering by the present Minister for Tourism Dr Wilfred A De Souza. The Parish priest of Cansaulim, rebuked the parents of the children for failing to initiate them into the meaning of the mission they were entrusted with --- According to him he felt that it was essential to do so as the significance needs to be inculcated in the child. There were many faithful mainly from the cultivators and the schedule tribes who kissed the trio as it wended its way down hill after the concelebrated Mass. The Main celebrant of the Feast Mass at 1000 hrs IST also cautioned the faithful not to concentrate much on the young Maggis but instead look for whom they have come to see viz Baby Jesus. Unfortunately notwithstanding this diatribe the three kings became the cynosure of all eyes with camera flash bulbs coming active and the four cable operators featuring events in Goa wholly obsessed by the three kings. There are several myths surrounding the church. Except for the novenas preceding the Feast day no one ventures atop the steep hill or chapel. It is believed that Our lady provides a healing touch to those afflicted by diseases and hence it is incumbent upon those that receive favours to repay the same. There was a list of names of donors of cash and gold announced by the Parish Priest but he repeatedly told the faithful to desist from providing gold as its accounting for the same was cumbersome and could be undervalued. Incidentally the approach road to the hillock usually deserted was a scene of a heinous crime committed by a Catholic youth from Porvorim along with others where they systematically put to death his father-in-law following strained relations with his daughter (a non Catholic) by the accused last year who since then behind bars. Meanwhile a similar feast celebration is held in Chandor and Reis Magos Betim Goa. from atop the Cuelim Hill GODFREY J I GONSALVES [EMAIL PROTECTED] Borda Margao Goa 9822158584 Send instant messages to your online friends http://in.messenger.yahoo.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | | | | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --------------------------------------------------------------------------
