Rohan Fernandes
Every year, on October 27, people from Velim village come together at a small chapel on a hill to celebrate the feast of the cross 'Matievelo Rakhneacho Khuris' that is known for it's miracles.
The chapel is located at Goenchem Bhatt, Velim, not very far from the St Francis Xavier Church in the village.
The first mass at this chapel was arranged by Dattaram Lotlikar in 1960. Since then, every year, on October 27 mass is celebrated at this religious chapel.
According to elders in the village, the cross was constructed with materials provided by shepherds, who wanted their animals to be safe from wild animals. The shepherds sought protection from the cross, hence it was named ' Matievelo Rakhneacho Khuris'.
Over the years, villagers started going to the cross to pray.
On the feast day, around 300 people gather at the chapel for the feast mass, most of them from Velim and neighbouring villages.
Outside the chapel, a few steps away, there is another cross where devotees pray and light candles.
To reach the chapel one has to walk 262 steps.