Pilgrim statue of Fatima at Chinchinim This October/ November the Pilgrim Statue will visits all States of India. Chinchinim Parish in GOA was only privileged, honoured and blessed to be selcted on 2 October. This is the centenary year of apparition of B.V. Mary at Fatima .Chinchinim is predominantly a Catholic settlement steeped in faith for centuries. Beisdes it`s centrally located with the surrounding villages, contiguous with its boundaries e.g. Assolna, Betul, Cavelossim, Varca, Carmona, Cuncolim, Navelim, At a very short notice, the arrangements with limitations were near perfect and flawless. The inclement weather with Divine Grace did not act as a spoilt sport to the great relief of the organizers and the faithful till the end of 5 hours schedule. The Unprecendented Sea of humanity of devotees descended on the scene from far and wide for this rare religious gathering. There was not even standing room in the packed church for the patient faithful with intention of penance. The quadrangle, the side spaces were overflowing, a scene never witnessed thus far
Mary was welcomed on the boundary of Chinchinim at Dandeavado on Nh17 with roads decorated on either side with buntings, welcome arches, posters along he road. The cavalcade was led by band, accompanied with fireworks, lights and devotees joining the procession on foot en the route The religious ceremonies and rites planned immersed the faithful in a reverent mood and feeling of religious atmosphere. MrAnselmo, as the conductor of religious ceremony left his distinct mark of excellence with voice modulations adding grace and dignity.It might not be an exaggeration, to state that the presence of the Holy Spirit was felt and all pervasive among the congregation .Bishop ALWYN of Sindurgh Diocese was the main celebrant and preached the homily with a dozen priests participating in the Eucharistic celebration .The 5 hour ceremony was attended with rapt attention ,devotion and reverence by the faithful. The people of all walks of life., desires and wishes were concencrated to B.V.M for her graces, followed by candle light procession and venerating her image The message of Fatima, prayer,penance, peace, reformation of change of heart were repeated, emphasized and highlighted . The vision of HELL as seen by the children puts at rest the doubts about it. The simple prayer life of Mary without a single miracle is to be emulated said the Bishop . She accepted in humility to be mother of Jesus with trust and faith the message by the angel. The forgotten devotion of Mary on First Saturdays need to be revisited for its abundant graces, as Mary is designated the fountain of Graces. Jesus as his last wish and covenant on the dying cross made Mary as our mother and disciples accepted her too. Mary always intercedes for us as she did at the wedding. She directs all attention towards Jesus always demanding we do His Holy Will and not to displease Him Controversies, conflicts are raised by non believers to discredit Her and Her mission regarding her virginity ( Immaculate Conception), divinity as mother of Jesus, and being born without original sin, ascension into Heaven. These intentional diversions will not succeed as in various apparitions she has made it abundantly clear about her role Chinchinim in arranging the visit, planning the religious rites, crowd management and related services has lived upto the expectations of trust reposed by the authorities Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
