THE GOAN NETWORK
CANACONA
Thousands of Catholics took part in processions of Our Lady of Fatima in various parishes across Canacona taluka on Sunday evening.
Masses were celebrated in Churches before parishioners took part in processions taking along the statue of Our Lady of Fatima mounted on decorated carriages.
The village streets were decorated and each of the ‘Somudai’ held stations where special petitions pertaining to various sections of the society residing in the areas were invoked for the blessing of Our Lady of Fatima.
Many non-Catholics lit candles, and came out in large numbers to venerate the statue and to seek blessings of Our Lady of Fatima passing through their locality.
Parishioners participating in the procession holding Rosary beads in their hands recited all the four Mysteries (The Joyful, The Luminous, The Sorrowful and the Glorious) and also sang hymns dedicated to the Mother Mary with great faith and compassion.
At Agonda parish, the procession with the participation of Parish Priest Fr Patrick Luis, Asst Parish Priest Fr Baltazar Fernandes and Fr Octaviano Da Cunha and assisted by Confraria members started at around 4.30 in the evening.
The procession covered 8 kms of internal streets before returning to the church only after 9 pm.
Blessings were imparted in the church, while parishioners lined up to kiss the statue of Our Lady of Fatima kept in the church.
Parishioners of St Theresa of Jesus Church, Chaudi, also held their procession of Our Lady of Fatima, and held a Mass at Tarir near Rajbag. The procession covered Ponsulem, Bollo, Xingallem and later arrived at the Church, where priests imparted blessings on the faithful.
