PANAJI
The 'Fama' of Menino Jesus will be on October 17 at Our Lady of Merces Church, Colva. Fama is the day before the Novenas begin. On this day, a pole, with the picture of Mother Mary, is erected in front of the church. Colva Fama is celebrated with great pomp as the miraculous statuette of Infant Jesus is brought down from its pedestal and kept for adoration at the Church during the High Mass. Celebrated with solemnity and festivity, the Fama of the Menino Jesus, attracts vast number of devotees from all religions across the world. Only on this day, devotees are allowed to kiss the small statuette of Infant Jesus.
Legend has it that the statuette was found by a Jesuit priest, Fr Bento Ferreira SJ, on the shores of Sena in Mozambique. Ferreira brought the statuette along with him when he was transferred to Goa. It is believed that innumerable miracles have occurred since the statuette was brought to Colva Church.
