The feast of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is celebrated worldwide on December 8. However, this year, it will be celebrated on December 9 (Monday) because the December 8 falls on the Second Sunday of Advent, which has precedence over the feast of Immaculate Conception as per the liturgical norms.
Thus, the faithful of the Panjim parish whose patroness is Our Lady of Immaculate Conception will celebrate the feast and honour their patroness on December 9. It is heartening to see that not only the Catholics venerate her but also people of other faiths pay obeisance to her to seek her blessings, protection and assistance in their needs.
The title, “Immaculate Conception,” expresses the doctrinal truth defined by the Church that the most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance of her conception, by virtue of a singular grace granted by God, was preserved free from all stain of original sin. This truth is proclaimed as dogma and as such, revealed by God and, thus, to be believed and adhered to by all the faithful. This dogma was promulgated by Pope Pius IX through an apostolic constitution entitled, “Ineffabilis Deus” (The Ineffable God) on December 8, 1854.
The celebration of the feast at Panjim Church is an annual spiritual event. It is preceded by a 9–day preparation, commonly known as novena, which consists of the recitation of the Rosary, the Mass, Sermon and the Salve (a Marian hymn) which is traditionally sung by children, boys and girls, dressed as angels. The Confrades with Opa and Murça join the angels and take part in the procession with the president of the Confraria holding the Vara.
While the morning novena service is in English, the liturgical service in the evening is in Konkani. The liturgy of the novena Mass based on the theme related to ‘Marriage and Family’ is conducted by the parishioners. A parish choir animates the singing of the hymns, and the pipe organ is being played after a gap of several years.
The Church which is on the world map, attracting international tourists, wears a festive look. A brass band led by Francisco Araujo plays melodies on the day of fama, vespers day, feast day and during the procession which winds its way down the Church Square. Another expression of joy and excitement is the Alvorada played on the fama day and feast day at dawn (5 am). While in the past, a brass band mounted on a four-wheeler went round the city, today pre-recorded music has replaced the brass band, which today is an expensive proposition. The vehicle on which the music playing is mounted leaves the Church with music on full blast, moving to Altinho, All India Radio, Police Quarters, Archbishop’s House, PWD Head Office, old Mental Hospital, the wards of Mala, Portais, Fontainhas, Post Office, São Tome Chapel, Don Bosco, 18th June Road, Boca de Vaca and back to the Church. The objective of playing the Alvorada is to make known to one and all the good news of the festivity.
This annual event provides an opportunity for socialising and entertainment too. Children, young and old take part in games, sing-song, band music, etc. Mouth-watering dishes like feijoada, sorpotel, and snacks are served at the food stalls put up by youth, Catechists and parish zones. Drawing people together and creating bonds of fellowship is the most cherished dream.
It is a matter of great satisfaction that people have a great devotion of Mother Mary. It is indeed important that we imitate her virtues of faith, hope and charity, as she is an outstanding example of happy living for us.
O Mother Mary, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, we entrust to your loving care all people from Panjim. Intercede for us and fructify all our endeavours to live in peace and harmony in these troubled times.
The writer is the parish priest of Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim.
