The state of Goa of India, once a Portuguese colony on the West coast is an exotic place with a lot of churches; a popular tourist destination where the past era is well preserved and maintained, Among them, St Andrews church comes alive annually and attracts lots of tourists, particularly Christians. Goa Velha, is known for the famous Procession of the Saints (Santanchem Pursanv) at St. Andrew's Church. Steeped in rich history that began long before the arrival of the Portuguese colonists here, Goa is the only other place besides Rome where such a religious procession has been held with dedication since 17th century.
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| Procession of Saints,Goa India iamgoan.wordpress.com |
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| Goa Procession of the Saints .osrvacation.com |
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| Church of St. Andrews Goa Velha Wikimedia Commons |
Now a sleepy and quiet state, Goa Velha, hosts the renowned Procession of the Saints on the first Monday of Easter week. This tradition was introduced by the Franciscan Order in the 17th century with a view to increasing the values and piety of the community and to impress on them to give importance to the inspiring teachings of Jesus Christ, the messenger of Love and Compassion.
By the 18th century, a total of 65 life-size richly decorated statues of saints, etc were carried in palanquins by the Native Christians. Banned in 1836, the celebration began again only towards the end of the 19th century. This faith oriented “Procession of Saints'' was introduced in the 17th century by the Franciscan Order among the Christians to inculcate the responsibility of engaging themself in Prayer to control the mind. The saints were said to be role models for the people because, being simple, they devoted their lives to Christ and his Gospel of Love and compassion. Thus they themselves were role models and attained sanctity
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| Church of St. Andrews Goa Velha Wikimedia Commons |
Above image: The St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Goa Velha, Goa Popularly known as ‘The Goa Velha Church’ in Goa, the first Church that came up here before 1583, was abandoned in the early 19th century. Reason: The structure was structurally weak because of age. It was at a different location, which was said to be the abode of the Franciscan Capuchins and head quarters of the Society of Pilar. The new one was built in 1868 and consecrated in June 1869.
The ‘Procession of the Saints’ in which 31 statues of the saints are taken in a religious procession, is normally scheduled to be held on the 5th Monday of Lent every year. This procession owes its origin in the Monastery of the Capuchin’s at Pilar. After the Religious Orders in Goa became non-functional in 1835, the statues were shifted over to the St. Andrew the Apostle church, Goa Velha.
On Sunday preceding the Palm Sunday, a unique colorful procession leaves the Church of Goa Velha and goes through the village streets. Prior to the sermon, devotees enter the Church and express their devotion to particular saints by kissing and touching the statues whilst deep in prayer.
Normally a particular order is being followed by the procession.The first charol is the Franciscan Coat of Arms, followed by all other images physically carried by the members of the Church. While the procession is on, devotees pray the rosary and the choir sing hymns. The devotees seek blessings through the intercession of the saints by passing from under the charols and also ask for forgiveness for their sins. An outdoor sermon follows and at sundown as each of the 26 statues comes out of the St. Andrew's Church, a priest speaking through a microphone narrates the life-story of each saint in Konkani, the local language. The life-size statues of 31 saints are kept for veneration for three days in the church after the procession. Some participants include:
Religious Orders based in the Parish of St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Goa Velha, Goa,
Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier (Society of Pilar) sixbased at Pilar Monastery, Pilar, Goa,
Handmaids of Christ (HC) based at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, Goa Velha, Goa,
Association of Pilar Sisters (PSA) based at St Joseph's Home, Pilar, Goa,
Educational institutions in this parish and a host of others
The procession of the Saints is a popular one in this part and draws thousands of people from neighboring villages around Goa Velha as well as from other Indian states. It is good that in this modern era an age old religious tradition - unique penitential tradition which is part of Goa's deep rooted culture continues without any break. Based on
https://www.navrangindia.in/2014/11/goa-velha-traditional-procession-of.html
https://itsgoa.com/santachem-pursanv-procession-goa
https://timescontent.timesofindia.com/photo/feature/Procession-of-Saints/673456
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