Team Herald
MARGAO: The twin villages of Navelim and Telaulim wore a festive look as the traditional latern procession wound its way from Mount Carmel Chapel, Telaulim to Our Lady of Rosary Church, Navelim yesterday.
One of Goa's most enduring religious traditions was celebrated on November 11, with the lantern procession in honour of Mother Mary in Navelim. Held early in the morning, this century-old tradition continues to unite thousands of devotees in a powerful expression of faith.
The procession of Our Lady wend its way from Telaulim through the richly decorated route before culminating at the Our Lady of Rosary Church in Navelim for the first novena Eucharistic service and devotees participated in the moving candlelit event, a symbolic demonstration of their deep devotion.
According to one local devotee, the procession has evolved significantly over the years. It originally featured the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which was brought to Goa from Portugal.
"However, in 1949, the tradition shifted when local elder Jose Minguel Pires de Menezes decided that the procession should feature the statue of Our Lady of Fatima instead of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Since then, the statue of Our Lady of Fatima has been carried in the procession", he informed.
What began as a modest gathering of a few hundred participants has now grown into a grand procession with thousands of faithful joining each year.