MELVYN MISQUITA
PANAJI
For nearly four centuries, the devotion to Menino (Infant) Jesus at the Colva Fama has been a unique event celebrated with great fervour by people from all over Salcete and across Goa.
Two youth from Colva have had a special and common attachment to the Colva Fama, which has shaped their lives and vocations.
Not only are they neighbours from 2nd Ward in Colva, the two youth had once served as altar boys at the Our Lady of Merces Church in Colva.
They were so inspired by the devotion to Menino Jesus at the Colva Fama, that both decided to become priests. Valyon Fernandes and Sweeton Pacheco are now seminarians at Rachol Seminary, which, incidentally, is home to the original statue of Menino Jesus. A replica of the original statue along with a ring which adorned the finger of the original statue is at the Colva Church.
“My devotion to Colva Fama began since I was very young. My grandmother had great devotion to Menino Jesus and all people would also flock to the Colva Fama for prayers, intercessions and miracles,” recalled seminarian Valyon Fernandes.
“Menino Jesus also helped me in my life. I was weak in studies and was not confident. My mother would take me along to the Colva Fama and I would be very happy to kiss the statue of Menino Jesus.”
“When we became altar servers, we had the first opportunity after the priests to kiss the statue of Menino Jesus when it was solemnly brought down from the altar at the 5.30 am Mass. This was a great experience and a special privilege for us as altar boys and I cherish these memories.”
“The Colva Fama is a great feast for me. Everyday when I go to sleep or when confronted with difficulties, I pray to Menino Jesus. I believe Menino Jesus has helped me grow in life and in my vocation,” said Fernandes.
Fernandes said the Colva Fama has brought the entire village together, while also attracting communities from different faiths and even tourists who visit the famed Colva beach.
“I am certain my desire to be a priest took shape due to my love for the Colva Fama and devotion to Menino Jesus, ever since I served the church as an altar boy. I now wish to serve the church as a priest someday,” Fernandes added.
Both Fernandes and Pacheco said they were involved in various arrangements for the Masses, refreshments, stalls and processions during the Colva Fama, strengthening their connect with the feast.
Seminarian Sweeton Pacheco also traced his devotion to the Colva Fama right from his childhood.
“My mother used to take us as young children for the first Mass at 5.30 am. When we were altar boys, we would fight among ourselves to serve at the 5.30 am Mass and witness the solemn ceremony of bringing down the statue of infant Jesus from the altar for veneration. This left a deep and lasting impression on my mind,” said Pacheco.
“It was also a special occasion for my family as all our relatives would come together at our house to celebrate the Colva Fama. We were proud that people from different parts of Goa and different faiths would come to the Colva Fama.”
The Colva Fama gave me an opportunity to deepen my faith and I was keen to become a priest.
“Valyon and I are neighbours from 2nd ward and were altar boys at the Colva Church. We grew up together and played on the same ground. The Colva Fama has inspired us to become priests,” says Pacheco with a smile.
