PANAJI
The unique Penitential Procession of Saints (Santanchem Pursanv), which takes place in the fifth week of Lent, will be held at St Andrew's Church in Goa Velha on March 23 at 4.30 pm.
Fr Romeo Monteiro, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman will be the main celebrant for the Eucharistic celebration. This will be followed by the procession of the Saints, beginning with the Tau and Crossed Arms, a symbol of the Franciscan Order, followed by 31 statues, including that of the Patron of the Archdiocese, St Joseph Vaz.
The life-sized statues of the Saints will be kept open for public veneration on March 23, 24 and 25 at St Andrew's Church, Goa Velha, throughout the day.
On March 24, Masses will be celebrated at 7 am, 9 am and 4 pm, and on March 25 at 7 am in the Church.
“The unique event draws thousands of devotees from different walks of life, irrespective of religion and including foreign visitors, who take part in the solemn procession,” stated Fr Antonio Albuquerque, Parish Priest of St Andrew's Church, Goa Velha.
