From door to door, the timeless legacy of the Our Lady visits still breathes life into Goan households today. In Aquem, the warmth of hymns, litanies and prayers spreads from one house to another, beginning from the month of October. Although time has changed and reshaped this practice making it look a little different from the past, this tradition holds a special place in the hearts of all Catholics. To understand how the devotion stands strong through time, residents of Aquem from three different generations were asked about their feelings and views towards this tradition.
Loren Gonsalves, SCC 4 The house visit of Our Lady is a beautiful tradition that brings Mary closer to our families and into the ordinary moments of our lives. It is a special moment where we can take a pause from our busy lives, gather as a family and place ourselves in God’s hands through Mary’s intercession. It reminds us that we are never alone in our joys, struggles and worries. Her presence encourages us to make our homes a place of prayer, peace and love. For me, every visit is a small reminder to keep Christ at the center of our family and to carry on the love and peace Our Lady brings into our family.
Ronald Dias, SCC 11 I await anxiously for the coming of Our Lady into our house. It gives me immense joy to receive the mother of our savior. It also gives me an opportunity to keep the surrounding and my house neat and tidy. That day I can meet all my Somudai friends and relatives and interact with them and conduct the prayer services in a calm and holy atmosphere. I would like to request that lighting fire crackers should be avoided as it disturbs nature, the birds and animals and also pollutes the atmosphere.
Mercia Crasto, SCC 15 Saibinn Mai ieta tednam mhaka vhodd khuxalkai bogta. Ghor samkem khuxal happy zata, dis boro voita ani lokank polloun mhaka borem dista. Sodam amkam rakh ani khuxal dovor mhunn mhojem magnnem Saibinnik. Sodam borem korun Saibinnik haddtalim, borem distalem. Poilim Saibinn mhoinea-mhoinea ietali, atam vorsa ek pavtt ieta- to dis ami anvdetanv- Ti amchea ghorant ietoli ani sogllem jivall kortoli mhonn axa ballgitam.
The house-to-house visitation of Our Lady in Aquem is more than just an annual event. It’s a way through which hearts and souls unite, pray and carry the legacy forward. May Saibinn-mai bless us with her choicest blessings today and forevermore!
-Chavara Annmer Crasto