The month of June is quite exciting in many ways — first of all, the onset of the monsoons gives us a respite from the summer heat. This month is also mid-year and gives us a chance to look at the half of the year gone by, and the other half which is yet to come.
Along with this, there are also cultural reasons, especially in a place like Goa. It marks the celebration of numerous feasts of saints, some closely linked with the first showers that bless this land at this time of the year.
Thus, in order to know more about it, the Museum of Christian Art (MoCA), Old Goa, will be hosting the ‘Odyssey of the Saints’, a walk that will explore the lives of saints through the museum’s unique collection and some fun interactive activities for the participants.
The walk will be held from June 13, 2023 to June 29, 2023.
FEASTS IN JUNE
When we speak of a feast in June, we generally think of the Feast of St John the Baptist, which is held on June 24 and is popularly known as Sao Joao. But, there are definitely more feasts during this month.
Bhavana Ajit, an intern at MoCA says, “In Christianity, the day a saint dies, marks their Heavenly birthday. Thus, 13th, 21st and 29th are celebrated as feasts of St Anthony of Padua, St Aloysius Gonzaga, St Peter and St Paul respectively. The exception is Sao Joao or the Feast of St John. It comes three months after the Annunciation and six months before Christmas. The day is supposed to mark the Visitation, when St John leapt in his mother’s womb upon hearing Mary’s news/sensing the presence of Jesus Christ.”
Bhavana further mentions the feasts which directly represent the monsoons in Goa, like Sao Joao which is celebrated by villagers jumping in wells, which are recharged and filled with rain water at this time of year.
“Apart from Sao Joao, Goa is also known to celebrate Sangodd, which happens to be celebrated alongside the Feast of St Peter and St Paul. Since St Peter is the patron saint of fishermen, this feast is specifically celebrated by the fishing community. During this festival, the river, canoes, boats and nets are blessed. Sometimes boats are tied together (symbolising unity) and floats are constructed over it,” informs Bhavana.
The walk at MoCA will reveal many more interesting details about the saints and feasts, and how they represent our land, and thus, are an integral part of our culture.
WHAT: ‘Odyssey of the Saints’ walk
WHERE: Museum of Christian Art (MoCA), Old Goa
WHEN: June 13, 2023 to June 29, 2023
TIMINGS: 10.30 am – 12 noon, 2.30 pm – 4 pm
FEES: ₹ 200 (adults), ₹ 100 (students)
REGISTRATION: +91 83088 05399
