GOA VELHA: Devotees from different walks of life thronged Goa Velha to participate in the annual penitential procession of saints. Around 31 life-size statues of saints were carried out in a procession, with a brief commentary about their life and works.
Participating in the Eucharistic celebration, the parish priest of St Andrew’s Church, Goa Velha, Fr Emidio Pinto reminded the congregation that all are invited to follow the example of saints and by giving life of darkness, live an illumined life.
Reflecting on the life of some saints, Fr Pinto said that some of the saints gave up luxury life and dedicated themselves to the service of the poor. “Among the saints we have two queens, namely St Isabel, Queen of Portugal and St Isabel, Queen of Hungary. Both toiled hard for the upliftment of the downtrodden,” he informed.
Fr Pinto revealed that St Peter, who was the disciple of Jesus, was the first Pope, who laid the foundation of the Catholic Church. “Similarly,” he said, “St Andrew and St John consecrated their lives to Christ.”
Throwing light on St Francis of Assisi, the parish priest said that he was a rich man, who gave up everything for Christ and lived a life of simplicity. He also mentioned that he was a true environmentalist and regretted that many in the modern world desire only to grab the land with selfish interests and turn it into a desert, thus bringing the end of the world closer.
Fr Pinto also noted the lives of St Anthony, who was famous for miracles, St Francis Xavier, who toiled hard spread the word of God and St Rock, who is the patron of the sick. “We need to follow in their footsteps and through union with God, enjoy life in abundance,” he added.
Before concluding, citing some examples through which God works wonders in life; Fr Pinto urged the faithful to continue remaining in union with God and enjoy life in abundance by expression of love towards others.
