The Fama of the Menino Jesus (Infant Jesus), popularly known as the Colva Fama, is celebrated with solemnity and festivity, attracting a vast number of devotees from all religions, who seek the blessings of Menino Jesus.
The Fama is a moment of joy and a personal connect for parishioners of Our Lady of Merces Church, Colva, as it is a celebration of faith, which helps them to be close to Jesus in their lives.
Fr Avinash Mascarenhas, parishioner and Pallotine Priest based at Pallotti Jyothi Niwas, Guirdolim-Chandor, has many cherished memories of the Colva Fama.
“I used to participate in it as a small boy. As a seminarian, I hardly got the opportunity to be present for the Fama. The experience of participating in the Fama has been different. As I look back, it was a journey of faith. It was a much-awaited occasion.”
“Today as a priest, I do not miss the opportunity to participate in the Fama, which continues inspiring me spiritually. More than the mere celebration, it has drawn me towards Jesus, i.e. encounter with the Lord. This celebration over the years has brought me close to Jesus, my family, neighbours and friends,” said Fr Mascarenhas.
Velda Vales, parishioner and Vice-Moderator of the Colva Parish Pastoral Council, believes that the Colva Fama is a devotion of great faith for families, a time of reunion of families, relatives and friends who share faith and quality time of love and togetherness.
“This traditional ‘Fama’ is not just a ritual, but an event to bring together the entire Parish and all our brethren, irrespective of religion. Many miracles and favours are granted by Jesus. Childless couples receive the gift of child. They place their child on the altar. Many parents too place their children on the altar for blessings,” said Vales.
Sr Villa Gracias FSI, parishioner and a nun from the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate, and Headmistress of Nirmala English Medium School, Harpanahalli-Karnataka, said when October begins, it brings in her a nostalgic feeling of the Colva Fama.
“As a student of Infant Jesus High School, I had great love and devotion to Infant Jesus since my childhood. We as friends had the habit of entering the church praying for a while and kissing the statue of Infant Jesus before we began our classes. As a child, I used to recite the Novena to Jesus. The words which always inspired me were: ‘The more you honour me, the more I will bless you’.”
“Our parents would take us early in the morning for ‘Maddi’. My father used to give us some money to share with the poor and needy. I believe this experience has inculcated in me the value to serve the poor and needy.”
“As a nun, I had great opportunity to hold Infant Jesus for veneration by people. That was indeed a memorable experience to admire the faith of people. Till today, the Divine Child attracts me to have strong faith in the Infancy of Jesus,” said Sr Villa Gracias.
Leslie Santimano, treasurer of the Colva Parish Pastoral Council, said the first thing that came to his mind with regard to the Colva Fama is the huge crowd and the unending queue of devotees.
“However, I firmly believe that the Lord will grant me my needs and keep us safe. Therefore, it is a very important and meaningful annual celebration for many in Goa and especially for the people of Colva,” said Santimano.
(Br John Malvino Alfonso OCD is a member of the Karnataka-Goa province of the Order of the Discalced Carmelites and based at the Carmelite Monastery, Margao)
