Today, September 29, would be the ideal day
to focus on Psalm 121 which is dedicated to God’s chosen and specially created
being, Michael the Archangel. At shrines across the world, from Italy and
France, Garabandal in Spain, Kiev, Ukraine, Brussels, Germany, Canada, Russia,
Ireland, Serbia and even in Philippines and China, Catholics venerate him for
protection and safety and celebrate this day dedicated to the Guardian of the
Church.
What about amchem Goyem? The Church of Sao
Minguel Arcanjo built by the Domincians in 1544 at Taliegao, among the oldest
churches in Goa, and the Church of St Michael built in 1595 in Anjuna are the
two churches where Sao Miguel holds exalted position as the Patron Saint. Many
Goan families have a Michael or a Miguel in their midst, and a number of
schools and institutions bear his name, as do some of Goa’s chapels and vaddos.
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Standing tall, perched on perhaps one of
the highest hills of Bardez, the Monte de Sao Miguel in Assonora village is a
unique chapel, built in 1885 at the behest of a Mapxecar, Fr Antonio Xavier de
Braganza. This Chapel remains worthy of mention not only for its unusual
location and the spectacular view that it commands, but also for the devotion
and pride of place St Michael is given by the Assnodkar parishioners, present
as well as past.
In those good old days, there were none of
our modern day gadgets, so knowingly or unknowingly, or as legend and folklore
has it, after being inspired by a divine providence, Fr Braganza selected a
spot high on the Assonora hill. A retreat for its founder, Fr Braganza who
served as Parish Priest of the village for 20 years after his ordination in Old
Goa in July, 1865, the chapel built in 1885 was reconstructed in the year 1937
by the Assonora Union along with contributions of the villagers. Fr Savio
D’Souza, Parish Priest from 2001-08 commenced efforts and collection of funds
for the renovations, repairs and maintenance of the Chapel. Villagers and well-wishers
rallied around Fr Maximian D’Souza and Robert Mendonca (Lawrence & Mayo)
and were finally able to restore the Chapel its former glory. The St Michael
Trust was subsequently formed, and the whitewashed Chapel once again
majestically looks down at the world below.
Today, the day St Michael is honoured at
the Monte de Sao Miguel, it is undoubtedly belief and reverence that inspires
the faithful to climb the steep rocky hill to the Chapel. They trudge their way
up the steep hill and rocky path which cuts its way from the foothills off the
main Mapusa –Bicholim Road, near the little bridge at Auchit Vaddo. The chapel
now has an added residential wing with rooms let out to parishioners and
visitors who attend service at the Monte or who wish to take a break from the
weary ways of the world below, spending time in contemplation and prayers.
This year, the feast at Anjuna is being
celebrated on October 4 with Masses at 6.30 am, Feast Mass at 9 am and an
English Mass at 11 am. Prince Jacob’s ticketed tiatr ‘Mhap Bhorun Votlem’ is
being staged at the Church Hall in the evening. Taleigao also celebrates the
Feast on October 4.
