Paola Ann De Sequeira
Do you believe in angels? A guardian angel, perhaps? Or maybe the three Archangels? All these spiritual entities are mentioned in the Bible, which speaks of heavenly beings sent to serve, guard, guide, protect, and watch over earthly human beings. Religious and spiritual beliefs come in various shades, and so be it if one does not subscribe to this belief. For many Goans, though, these celestial guardians remain significant.
Rich hymn tradition
From the ancient world to modern times, the Catholic Church has encouraged belief in the existence of these spiritual entities. As the two Parishes of Goa celebrate the feast today, the rich tradition of prayers, incantations, sacred chants, and hymns will echo in their honour. Goa has a particularly vibrant heritage of Konkani hymns, some dedicated to San Miguel. Popular hymns like Sanj Miguel Amche Rakhnea, Sanj Miguel Archangela and Sorv Anj Boddveam Modem Unchhea are sung with deep fervour. Rev Fr Vasco do Rego SJ and Rev Fr Almir de Souza are credited with the lyrics and music for San Miguel Sorgichie Bhertint, while San Miguel Rajachea in the Konkani Hymn Book "Gaionacho Jhelo" is attributed to Fr Rego, with music composed by the late Goan Maestro Rev Fr Lourdin Baretto and others. "Rakonn Bodvea Mogalla" and "Doiall Deva" are some of the other hymns that enhance services and echo through Goan chapels and Churches.
Sacred art
Goa's profound connection to the Archangels is vividly captured in its sacred art. A magnificent painting depicting St Michael vanquishing Satan can still be seen on the walls of the cubicle of the side entrance of the Bom Jesus Basilica, though the artist and provenance remain undiscovered. Many such artworks may have flourished earlier and possibly been lost or destroyed when Old Goa was abandoned due to the plague. Bringing a local touch to these heavenly visions, Goa's very own talented artist, the late Angelo da Fonseca, created beautiful Indianised versions of these spiritual entities. His unique, uplifting and inspiring painting of Archangel Gabriel and the Annunciation warms the hearts and sensibilities of art lovers and roots these universal heavenly figures firmly in Goan soil.
Village devotion
The magnificent religious structures of stone and mortar dotting Goan villages at Taleigao, Anjuna and Orlim enable parishioners to gather, pray, and pay homage to God's chosen Angels, in particular, the Archangel Michael. Faith, belief, and devotion can be witnessed across the state as communities honor their Patron. September 29 is when the Catholic community traditionally celebrates the Feast, with services already held at the Chapel of St Michael at Assonora and the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which will continue across the two Parish Churches this weekend and the next Sunday at Orlim.
These village Churches, with their beautiful interiors, are indeed impressive, and the hand-carved sacred wooden images on the altars showcase the amazing skill and dexterity of traditional Goan artisans of the past. They shed light on Indo-Portuguese Counter-Reformation European art, design, and architecture, and, more significantly, on their adaptation and adoption by the local crafts community in Goa. Artistically carved wooden altars and the image of Archangel Michael can be seen gracing the side altars, pulpits, and the main altar of the Churches at Taleigao, Anjuna, and Orlim dedicated to St Michael. At the Anjuna church, built in 1613, a striking statue features St Michael holding a scale in his left hand with a demon crushed beneath his feet. Almost all other churches across the state also have images of angels, cherubs and other celestial beings enhancing their altars. The impressive interiors serve as a timeless reminder of the talent, skill and prowess of our Goan masons, artisans, carpenters and traditional craftspersons of yore.
Feast celebrations
The celebrations are community milestones. From Parish Priest Rev Fr Caetano Fernandes, Taleigao celebrates the Feast today with Masses at 6 am, 7.15 am in Konkani, 8.30 am in English, and the Konkani Solemn High Mass at 10 am followed by the procession and blessings. Rev Fr Nobert D'Silva, Spiritual Director at the Saligao Seminary, will be the main celebrant. The quintessential football match at the Taleigao Ground in the evening and Comedian Ambe's ticketed tiatr "Dis Mezun Rav" will be staged later at the church compound, bringing the villagers together.
The Anjuna Church office informs that the feast today includes the Konkani Mass at 6.30 am and an English service at 8 am. The Feast Mass at 9.30 am will be conducted by Rev Fr Socorro Rosario Antonio Mendes, Parish Priest at St Anthony's Church, Siolim.
Orlim in Salcete, this year celebrates the occasion on October 11, which is the second Sunday of October. Parish Priest, Rev Fr Walter Rodrigues, states that the High Mass at 7.30 am will be followed by the 10.00 am service, both in Konkani. Rev Fr Donato Rodrigues, Rector of the Rachol Seminary, will officiate. An exhibition cum sale of plants by Parish youth and Seminarians will be held, adding a wonderful local community touch to the spiritual festivities.
