Team herald
CORTALIM: The religious fervour at Sancoale reached a feverish pitch with thousands of devotees converging on the first day of the novenas at the Shrine of Blessed Joseph Vaz at Sancoale, on Wednesday.
The nine-day novena in preparation of the first feast of Goa’s first saint will have regular masses at 6 am, 7.30 am and 9.15 am and 4 pm and 6 pm (English mass), in addition to special masses.
The year’s theme is ‘St Joseph Vaz’, faith builds communion, strengthens families, inspire to renew society’. Novenas masses at 9.15 am and 4 pm are dedicated to pilgrims from different deaneries in Goa. On Wednesday, the day was dedicated to Mormugao and Mapusa deanery.
On January 14, when Blessed Joseph Vaz will be officially declared a Saint by Pope Francis in Galle, Sri Lanka, a special postal cover in honour of St Joseph Vaz will be released at the Sanctuary after the 9.15 am mass.
