One of the Masses of the first day of Novena being celebrated in the pandal outside the Basilica of Bom Jesus on Thursday.
OLD GOA
The Novena of St Francis Xavier got underway on Thursday, with thousands of devotees and pilgrims participating in the eight Masses celebrated during the day.
The theme for the first day was, ‘Following Jesus in communion with the Blessed Trinity like St Francis Xavier’ and the priests focused on this theme in their homilies at the Masses which were celebrated at 6 am, 7.15 am, 8.15 am, 9.30 am, 10.30 am, 3.45 pm and 5 pm (all in Konkani) and 6 pm in English.
Elaborate arrangements were made in and around Old Goa for the smooth conduct of the Novena and the Feast, with the police personnel, traffic personnel, volunteers and various other authorities working round the clock.
There will be no Mass at 10.30 am on November 25 as the Feast of St Catherine will be celebrated in the Se Cathedral at 10 am.
Meanwhile, the shooting for an advertisement at the St Augustine Tower road caused some inconvenience to the traffic in the morning, prompting angry reactions from people travelling to and from Old Goa.
A resident of Old Goa questioned the rationale behind granting permissions for shooting in Old Goa during the Novena and Feast.
Glen Cabral said there were already traffic issues in Old Goa from November 24 till December 4, and granting permissions for the shooting of ads only added to the problem.
“During the period of Novena and the Feast, authorities concerned should not grant any permission for shooting of ads or films,” Cabral added, while stating that though a copy of the permission is marked for the panchayat, the local body was yet to receive the same.
Santa Monica Convent Superior Sister Silvy complained of inconvenience caused to them due to the shooting activity.
“During the shoot, they block our access and when we ask them to desist from doing so, they shout at us,” said Sister Silvy, while adding that film shooting near the Santa Monica road should not be allowed.
The Superior also complained of shooting happening during the night time, without any permission from any authorities.
