VASCO: The feast of Epiphany, also known as the Three Kings Feast, was celebrated with pomp and religious fervour on Saturday morning at Our Lady of Remedios Chapel in Cuelim. The special celebration featured three children portraying the Magi and riding on horseback to the chapel atop a hill.
The feast Mass witnessed a large number of devotees seeking the blessings of Our Lady of Remedios.
Neil Xavier from Cuelim, Hayden Figueiredo from Cansaulim, and Reev D’Costa from Arossim had the honour of representing the three Wise Kings during the feast. The tradition involves three young children, one from each of the villages, dressed in royal finery and arriving on horses amidst musical processions.
Fr Ave Maria Afonso explained the tradition, stating that the three kings, following the guiding star to worship the newborn Lord Jesus on the feast of Holy Epiphany, arrive at the chapel via three different paths. After attending the Masses, the young kings return transformed, deciding to follow Jesus Christ.
Speaking to reporters, devotee and Police Inspector Sherif Jacques highlighted the rich tradition, which has been celebrated for over 500 years. “My nephew got the chance to be one of the kings last year- it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The names are chosen by the original villagers of Cansaulim sometimes five to six years prior and the boy gets his turn after receiving first Holy Communion. My father got to be a king in his childhood, so did I, and my son as well- it is a great honour that three generations of my family were chosen,” he said. The horses for the feast are specially arranged from Kolhapur, he added.
The Feast of Epiphany, falling on the 15th day of Christmas, holds cultural and religious significance, marking the end of Christmas celebrations for many.
