the goan I network
VASCO
Thousands of devotees thronged Sancoale on Monday to participate in the first day of the Novena of St Joseph Vaz, patron of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, at the Old Church of Our Lady of Health in Sancoale.
The large pandal outside the ruins of the old Church was packed with devotees at all masses which were celebrated at 6 am, 7.30 am, 9.15 am, 4 pm and 6 pm, with the 6 pm mass being celebrated in English.
The theme of the novena and feast this year is, “Following in the Footsteps of St Joseph Vaz, the anointed one of God, let us be joyful messengers of the Good News to the poor through our loving service.”
During the Masses, the priests highlighted the life and times of Goa’s illustrious son of the soil, St Joseph Vaz. Devotees who attended the novena on the first day were pleased with the arrangements at the venue.
Besides the masses, various other religious services will take place between January 9 and January 14.
A Retreat in Konkani will be conducted on January 9 (Wednesday) from 10 am to 3 pm. There will be
special prayers for childless couples.
An inter-religious encounter will be held on January 10 (Thursday) at 10.30 am. A night vigil in Konkani will be conducted on January 11 (Friday), starting at 10 pm and will conclude on January 12 (Saturday) by 5.30 am.
A special Mass for the sick will be celebrated on January 13 (Sunday) at 9.15 am. The sick are expected to be present at 8.30 am.
A day of adoration will be held on January 14 (Monday), from 10 am to 3.30 pm (Silent Adoration).
