Festivity takes minimal path at Panaji feast without fireworks

PANAJI: The capital city’s biggest feast took an eco-friendly turn this year and was celebrated sans the traditional firecrackers and much-awaited fireworks display.
Not a single firecracker was burst during the nine novena days leading up to the feast of Immaculate Conception on Saturday. The annual extravagant and unique fireworks display put up by local fireworks manufacturers, which attracted crowds, also didn’t illuminate the imposing Mary Immaculate Conception Church.
Parish priest Fr Walter de Sa said a unanimous decision was taken by the parish to cancel the fireworks “in order to keep our environment free from all sorts of pollution”.The recent Supreme Court verdict on firecrackers was also taken into consideration.
Member of the parish council advocate Rui Ferreira said the permission for sound given by the additional collector also prohibited fireworks. “Although it was a tradition that was followed for decades, it was causing unnecessary pollution. Pope Francis has also urged us to embark on a new path towards environment protection,” he said.
Where decorations were concerned, church authorities also went for a minimalist touch this year. “We wanted to draw focus to the altar where Jesus is celebrated and to the word of God,” Fr Walter, who presided over the feast mass, said.
Priests, including Salesians, Jesuits and diocesan priests, concelebrated the high mass. Professor of philosophy at Rachol Seminary, Fr Victor Ferrao, in his homily said that Mother Mary should be held as a role model for her life of faith and charity. Seven masses were celebrated right through the day, from 5.30am till 5.30pm, with hordes of people flocking to the iconic church.
The grand feast draws people of all faiths and from beyond the boundaries of Panaji, too, Ferreira says, adding, “Right through the day Christians and non-Christians from Panaji and beyond, who have faith in Our Lady offer flowers and candles asking protection from her.”
The feast of Immaculate Conception was also celebrated in Margao, Calangute, Moira and other parishes across the state.