By Lissy Maruthanakuzhy
Panaji, Dec 31, 2024: People from diverse faiths watched a carol singing program at the Fountain, a point of interreligious gathering during various religious festivals, in the heart of the Goan capital of Panaji.
The parishioners of St Sebastian’s Chapel and St Francis Xavier’s Chapel, Mala (part of Immaculate Conception Parish, Panaji) presented the three-and-a-half-hour program on December 29.
The program began with a prayer followed by a brass band at St Sebastian’s Chapel, at 5 pm and serenaded its way through the residential areas to the Fountain.
The audience was provided with a half hour unique historic heritage walk through the Fountain’s tunnel through clean ankle deep spring water flowing from the mountains.
The Fountain is open only on special occasions to visitors. Father Roque D’Costa, chaplain of St Sebastian’s Chapel who organised the program, said the Fountain was one of the lifelines in Panaji, as it provides clean water.
The objective of the celebration, he explained, was to share the joy, peace and hope that Christmas brings with all people.
The event featured carol singing and a quiz competition with awards that sparked interest even among people of other religions.
Tourists from other parts of India and overseas attended the celebration.
“This heartwarming gathering served as a testament to the enduring message of Christ, born 2000 years ago, who brings peace, love, and unity to a world troubled by violence and hostility,” said Daughters of St Paul Sister Neena Mathias who was in the audience.
The Fountain built in 1865 with an underground tunnel, has crosses carved of stones on either side of the walls, and a larger one at the center.