The Church at Rivona is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary and the parish celebrated its annual feast on the third Sunday of January, which this year fell on January 18.
THE ORIGIN
The church had its beginnings as a small chapel constructed in 1890 and dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. At that time, it was affiliated to the parish of Tilamola. With the growth of the local Catholic community, the chapel was raised to the status of a parish on April 1, 1940.
Since 1952, the parish has been entrusted to the pastoral care of the members of the Society of Pilar (SFX). Over the years, as the number of faithful increased, the old church building became inadequate to accommodate the growing congregation. This led to the decision to construct a new and larger church.
Accordingly, a new church was built about a kilometre away from the old structure. The foundation stone was laid in 1960, and the church was completed and opened for worship in 1963. In 2001, the church underwent renovation. Two black marble plaques fixed on the church walls commemorate this event.
THE OLD CHURCH
After the construction of the new church and the transfer of liturgical services there, the old church gradually fell into neglect. However, the parishioners remained emotionally and spiritually attached to the original structure and expressed a strong desire to see it restored. Their requests were eventually granted, and the old church was renovated in 2008.
Following the renovation, it was decided to celebrate Mass once a week in the old church. During the Lenten season, a distinctive tradition is observed: the cross that stands prominently in the chancel area is taken in procession to the new church and later returned to its original place.
Attempts were also made to restore the pulpit, though the original artwork was painted over with a coat of pink distemper. The flooring of the church, however, has been well preserved and remains in good condition.
THE NEW CHURCH
The façade of the new church is simple yet expressive. At the top stands a cross, with the church bell positioned just below it. Above the main entrance is a painting of Our Lady holding the Child Jesus in one hand and the rosary in the other. On either side of this central image are paintings of St Dominic and St Catherine of Siena.
THE ALTAR
Behind the liturgical altar, mounted on the cross, is the image of the Crucified Jesus. To the right of the altar is the image of the patroness, Our Lady of the Rosary, encased in glass, drawing the devotion of the faithful who gather here for prayer and worship.
