The feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary was celebrated at the Chapel of OurLady of the
Monte, Old Goa. Though the feast date is September8, it was celebrated at the
chapel on September 10, it being a Sunday. The main celebrant was Fr Alfred
Vaz, while Canon Saturnino Dias and Fr Vizitacao Monteiro were concelebrants.
The
Chapel is built on a historic spot, on the hill from where Adil Shah defended
Goa with his artillery, when he was attacked by the Portuguese. The hill
commands a majestic view of the surroundings, and the Chapel can be accessed by
a flight of steps. The chapel was built in 1557 and reconstructed subsequently.
It has three altars and an attached residence. The chapel was restored by the
Fundação Oriente a few years ago.
