MAJORDA: The feast of Our Lady of Health (birthday of Mother Mary) was celebrated at Mother of God Church, Majorda, on Tuesday. In his homily, Majorda Parish Priest Fr Ave Maria Afonso stated that Mother Mary had accepted the will of God and became the mother of Jesus, and he advised the faithful to follow in her footsteps.
Fr Afonso also blessed the traditional palm-leaf boats near the statue of Our Lady of Vailankanni. The boats were built by the parishioners of Majorda.
Fr Afonso also recounted the legend that led to the present tradition of building palm-leaf boats. He stated a group of seamen were travelling across a sea when a sudden storm destroyed their boat. However, through the intercession of Mother Mary, the seamen were saved. After reaching the shore, they brought a statue of Mother Mary and flowers to the church.
Fr Afonso added that it took at least one month to build a boat, which brought the Christian community together and strengthened their bonds.
