Team Herald
COLVA: The traditional Fama of Infant Jesus was celebrated at Our Lady of Merces Church, Colva on Monday with religious fervour, pomp and gaiety.
The theme for this year’s Fama was “Jezu Bhaxen Doyal Zaum Ya.” Fr Joseph Assumption da Silva, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Merces Church, Colva was the main celebrant at the concelebrated High Mass at 5.30 am.
Stressing on Lord Jesus’ teaching and his obedience towards his parents, Fr Joseph, in his homily, urged the faithful to inculcate the teachings and commandments of Jesus by forgiving others and to live in peace, unity and brotherhood. He also stressed on Mercy towards others and follow the example of Mother Mary too.
Speaking to Herald, Franky Fernandes, incharge of Fama said, since early morning, devotees attended the Masses in large numbers.
After the 5.30 am Mass, a religious ceremony was held as the miraculous statue of Infant Jesus was brought down from the special altar by Fr Victor in the presence of confraria members and large number of devotees.
The statue was later taken in procession followed by the blessing of the Maddi.
Thousands of devotees made a bee line to kiss the sacred image of Menino Jesus.
According to local legend, the statue of Menino Jesus was found off the coast of Mozambique in the 17th century by some shipwrecked sailors led by Fr Bento Ferreira, a Jesuit missionary. Fr Bento was later posted to Colva. He had a special altar built and had the statue enthroned on it. A few years later, the annual Fama began.
The statue was kept for public veneration during the Fama as huge crowds turned to seek its blessings.
