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| Praying the rosary. |
-Brian Mendonca
The months of September-October are devoted to Mary. As the statue makes it way through all the homes in the ward, there is a feeling of reverence and devotion to Mother Mary. Praying the rosary one gets a chance to reflect on all that Mother Mary has done for us.
To ensure a smooth movement of the statue from one home to another a schedule is prepared before hand. The faithful keep themselves free on the day the statue is coming to their home. Around 20 homes received the statue in our ward. However there are many more catholic families in the ward who choose not to receive the statue.
Those who have opted to take the statue are motivated to go to the homes which are receiving the statue. Across a span of around three weeks there is bonding that is built up among this committed group. They look forward to meeting each other as each day of the devotion progresses. After the rosary, over snacks, people inquire about each other and their families.
This year the prayers at saibinn's visit were limited to the rosary, the litany, and the intentions. The hymns to Mary were in Konkani and in English with musical instruments played at times.
Hosting the statue involves getting the house spruced up. Things which were procrastinated about get done. Flower arrangements and displays are given careful attention. Seating has to be organized and snacks catered for.
Yet it is all worth it. It is heartwarming to see working people step in for the rosary straight from work, tired yet spiritually alive. When the statue leaves the ward one feels a sense of sadness. This is only relieved by the fact that when Mother Mary came we welcomed her into our hearts and homes.
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Pic taken by Brian Mendonca at home in Porvorim, Goa during the visit of the statue of Mother Mary on 8 October 2024. Dr. Glenis Mendonca and her son Reinald (seen in pic) joined us and played the guitar and violin respectively.
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