Goans, irrespective of religions, caste or beliefs, have a special devotion to Mother Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. Known the world over by different names and virtues, Mother Mary has always held a place of pride that no person can equal leave alone surpass. When the messenger of God came with the good news, the angel Gabriel said, “Hail Mary, full of grace; blessed are you among women.” The motherly love of Mary and the affection of her children never decreased since then.
The church contemplates Mary as the Sorrowful Mother during the season of Lent. The Scriptures mention that Mary was standing at the foot of the Cross with the Apostle John. She is mentioned twice in the Stations of the Cross — in the Fourth Station, when she meets her Son on the way to Golgotha and in the Thirteenth Station when Jesus’ dead body in placed in her arms. Also during Lent, the ‘Stabat Mater’, a Medieval Latin hymn describing Mary’s terrible sorrow over her Son’s suffering is sung. It’s indeed hard not to think of Mary as we contemplate the Lord’s Passion and Crucifixion.
The season of Lent has always been the time to contemplate on the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ that leads to the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Lenten plays have played a prominent part in leading the faithful to this contemplation. Via Dolorosa or the sorrowful way of the cross have been staged in various parts of Goa. But the reflection on the suffering of Christ through the sorrows of Mother Mary was never heard before. Decades ago J P Souzalino, the famed tiatrist had presented a tiatr on these sorrows. The parishioners of Our Lady of Succour and Good Success Church, Nagoa-Verna as part of their ongoing Golden jubilee celebration of the church, presented a mega production ‘Saibinnicheo Sat Dukhi’ which was scripted by parish priest, Fr Edson Fernandes, professor of Sacred Scriptures at the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol. The presentation was directed by Michael Jude Gracias, a noted theatre and film personality in Goa and enacted by over 100 parishioners of the parish.
The project was conceived two years ago but due to the Covid-19 pandemic that broke out then, the plans were shelved and were resurrected in commemoration of the golden jubilee celebrations. The presentation featured a massive sets prepared by fine arts teacher, George Gonsalves. Tejas Khedekar another theatre personality was brought in to design and execute the lights. UK based tiatrist Eng Cajy Pereira composed the songs of the play which were set to Music by Maestro Senon D’Souza. Derina and Pramila designed the costumes while Neville engineered the sound. UK based musician Elfio Fernandes provided the background score to the presentation.
The presentation had a line of thought and reflection. The Biblical references with passages from the Holy Scriptures were read giving the presentation a sound foundation. The sorrows of Mary were then presented which were followed by modern day reflection on these sorrows through skits. The Biblical and modern day skits were adorned with well composed songs rich with authentic music. Finally, each sorrow ended with a prayer in which all the people participated. The presentation reached such a height that no member of the audience arose for the next ten minutes after the conclusion of the presentation.
The Seven Sorrows of Mary:
1. The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)
2. The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
3. Loss of the Child Jesus for three days (Luke 2:41-50)
4. Mary meets Jesus on his way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17)
5. Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30)
6. The body of Jesus being taken from the Cross (Psalm 130; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-37)
7. The burial of Jesus (Isaiah 53:8; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Mark 15:40-47)
That’s a lot for one woman to endure in a lifetime! Yet, Mary wasn’t just another woman; she was the woman chosen by God to bear His Son. With that great joy and responsibility also came
great sorrow.
Along with her great joy and sorrow came great love — for each one of us as her children. This is what our Lord asked of her as He hung dying on the Cross — to become Mother to all humankind. Love is what gave her the courage to accept Simeon’s prophecy. Love is what gave her the strength to embrace each sword as it pierced her heart. Love is what urged here to accept her Son’s dying request.