MARGAO
Our Lady of Merces Church, Colva and the confraria is bracing up to celebrate the Fama of Menino Jesus on October 17 after a three-year break due to the Covid pandemic.
The theme of this year’s Fama is the theme of the Archdiocese of Goa “Come and Follow me”.
The church and the confraria are working overtime to put all arrangements in place with government agencies, including the district Collectorate, Colva police, traffic police etc.
Addressing the media on Saturday in the presence of Confraria President Anthony Fernandes and members, Fr Simpliciano said the parish will express their gratitude to God for setting the world free from the pandemic.
“The confraria is organising the traditional Fama with dedication and zeal. They are working overtime to make arrangements for the devotees. A mini-bridge will be over the main road with a sophisticated structure. As usual, we expect hordes of devotees to throng to the church to seek blessings of the miraculous Menino Jesus,” he said.
Saying the church has received full cooperation from the government departments, including the Colva police and traffic police, Fr Simpliciano thanked the government agencies for extending their cooperation.
Giving details of the programme on Fama day, the Parish Priest said the Solemn High Mass will be held at 5.30 am on October 17, when the miraculous statue of Menino Jesus will be brought down on the altar for veneration.
“This year, the miraculous statue of Menino Jesus will be exposed to the faithful for veneration. Besides the high mass, masses will be held throughout the day at the spacious pandal which will be put in place outside,” he said.
He added: “Menino Jesus has been a great blessing for the people of Colva in particular and Goa in general. Faith brings hordes of devotees to Colva on the day of the Fama, specially childless women and the sick.”
Briefing the media, Confraria president Anthony Fernandes appealed to the devotees to cooperate with the agencies as well as the volunteers in the smooth conduct of the procession and veneration. “Though the statue of Menino Jesus will be exposed for veneration this year, we will not place infants on the altar because of the SoP in place”, he said.
Similarly, the Confraria president appealed to the sick people to come to the church before 4 pm on the day of the Fama, saying arrangements for wheelchairs will be provided by the volunteers.
