NT News Service (The Navhind Times)
Oct 18, 2004: The traditional fama of the miraculous Menino Jesus was celebrated today with pomp and religious fervour at Our Lady of Merces church, Colva.
Devotees from different walks of life were seen flocking to the church in order to revere the statue of Infant Jesus. Childless couples and those blessed with an offspring after many years, the disabled and the sick were also part of the long queue venerating the statue and seeking favours.
The parish priest of Colva church, Fr Diago M Fernandes while speaking to The Navhind Times said that around 300 confraries participated in the procession held soon after the first mass. �We had three days of spiritual preparation for the fama,� Fr Fernandes disclosed.
He also said that on this day, the image of Infant Jesus is brought down from the altar for the traditional umo (kissing of the idol) by the faithful after a ceremonial procession. �This is the only day of the year when the miraculous idol is brought down for veneration,� he revealed.
Church sources informed that it has become a tradition since the enthronement of the statue on
the altar since 1648. Late Fr Bento Fereira brought the statue to Goa when he was posted in Colva church and soon the statue became an object of veneration for the devotees that flocked the church. And later feast was celebrated in October, preceded by a nine day novena and a fama that is the blessing of the flagpole on the eve of the first day of the novena.
The annual fama, according to the church sources, is celebrated on the second Monday of October (provided the Monday comes after 12th of the month) but since the second Monday has come on October 11, the fama, this year was celebrated on the third Monday (October 18).
A special entrance was provided inside the church for priests, the sick and handicapped so that they could enter conveniently and venerate the miraculous statue.
The church precincts wore a festive look. Devotees co-operated with church volunteers and traffic arrangements were made with the help of Colva police.
The novenas will begin from October 19 and the feast will be celebrated on October 28. The novena masses will be held daily at 6 a.m., 7 a.m. and in the evening at 6 p.m.
(All pictures, courtesy: archives of www.goa-world.com)
http://www.goa-world.com/goa/fama-de-colva/index.htm
A photo-feature on a celebration that's more important than the feast.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
IN KUWAIT:
Colva United Centre-Kuwait celebrates Fama of Menino Jesus with thanks giving mass at Holy Family Cathedral on October 21st, 2004 at 6.30 p.m.All Colvenkars, friends and well wishers are cordially invited to attend.
Managing Committee
Colva United Centre - Kuwait
wwww.goa-world.com/goa/colva/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gulf-goans/message/4622
Do you Yahoo!?
vote.yahoo.com - Register online to vote today!
http://www.goa-world.com
http://www.live365.com/stations/61664 Live Konkani Music
http://www.mahableshwar.com/
Addresses:
Post message: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Unsubscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
List owner: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
URL to this page:
http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/gulf-goans
| Yahoo! Groups Sponsor | |
|
|
Yahoo! Groups Links
- To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gulf-goans/
- To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
- Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
