Katia Goes
November 1 is officially the day when the saints come marching in. Roman Catholics, as well as some Christian denominations, observe this day as “All Saints Day” in honour of the saints in Christianity. Here are a few saints, who are a ‘favourite’ among Goans, and have won a place in people's hearts.
St Joseph Vaz, who was born in Benaulim, South Goa, is the first Goan saint to be canonized by the Pope. His feast day is January 16, annually.
St Sebastian was said to have had special abilities to intercede and pray for protection from the deadly plague. His feast day is on January 20.
St Anthony of Padua is a favourite saint of Goa's Catholics and is known as the patron saint of finding lost or stolen articles. His feast day is on June 13.
St Anne was the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and grandmother of Jesus Christ. She is the patron saint of married women and childless couples, and the Church of St Anne, in Telaulim, is the most famous one in Goa, which is dedicated to her. Her feast is celebrated on the July 26.
St Padre Pio, also known as St Pio of Pietrelcina is the patron saint of civil defence volunteers, adolescents and stress relief. His feast day is September 23.
St Catherine is the patroness of philosophers and scholars and is said to protect against sudden death. A chapel in Old Goa is dedicated to her, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Her feast is held on November 25.
St Rita's feast is celebrated on the May 22. A church and chapel are dedicated to her in Curtorim and Salvador do Mundo, respectively. She is the patroness of difficult and hopeless causes.