VASCO: The eagerly anticipated Epiphany feast, commonly known as the Three Kings feast, is scheduled for January 6th at Our Lady of Remedios Chapel in Cuelim. Father Ave Maria Afonso shared details on the preparations and festivities with reporters on Wednesday.
“Preparations for the Three Kings feast at Remedios Chapel have been underway since December 27. Daily masses at the Chapel began on December 28, with three sessions at 6 am, 7.30 am, and 5 pm, drawing a significant local attendance,” said Fr Afonso.
“Starting January 1, we conduct Masses, and people bring their vehicles for blessings. On the Feast day, we will have Masses at 5 am, 6.15 am, 7.30 am, 8.45 am, and the main feast mass at 10.15 am, featuring three children arriving on horses as the Three Kings from Cansaulim, Cuelim, and Arossim. This tradition has been upheld for several years. Another Mass at 4.30 pm will conclude the feast day,”he added.
Fr. Afonso clarified the historical context of the feast, emphasizing that the Three Kings were wise men, not saints. They came to worship Jesus on the Holy Epiphany, and the feast commemorates that event. The celebration attracts a diverse crowd, including people from other religions seeking blessings.
The theme for this year’s feast is “Hanvem tumkam kellam, toxench tumi-i korat” for the Novenas and Feast, according to Fr Afonso. The event is also known for the bustling stalls that facilitate various businesses during the feast.
