BELGAUM: Parishioners of Machigad, about 5 kms from the famous Nandgad Hill Cross where Konkani speaking Catholics of Goan origin have settled since last three centuries, on Saturday celebrated the annual feast of Our Lady of Rosary Church.
Christians here, who have conserved the faith and Konkani language, also established communal harmony with the majority Hindu community. A large number of Hindu women offered water at the feet of the priest who was carrying the statue of Our Lady in a procession, which was taken around the village. The Fernandes and D’Souza (Parrikar) families who live here had made adept arrangements for the feast mass in Konkani. Parish Priest Fr Michael Fernandes was at the helm of arrangements, while Jesuit priest Fr Augustine Fernandes was the main celebrant along with many other priests from Belgaum and Goa region.
In his homily, Fr Victor highlighted on the family values in the modern societies and mother’s love towards her children. “Each one of us need to respect and venerate our mother, the way we do to Mother Mary,” Fr Victor emphasised.
