Goa Hosts Marian Congress Focused on Fatima’s Call and Synodal Unity on 15-16 Jul 2025

The World Apostolate of Fatima (WAF) in Goa organised a two-day Marian Congress on 15–16 July 2025 in Pilar, marking 70 years of its devoted presence in this blessed region. The gathering drew an enthusiastic crowd, with over 150 participants joining the overnight programme and nearly 300 faithful attending the second-day service and Eucharistic Celebration. The atmosphere radiated devotion and a sense of shared purpose—a vibrant tapestry woven from individual prayers and collective hymns. Among the many spiritual highlights was the participation of His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa & Daman.

Dr. Fr. Jason Fernandes spoke on “Parish Renewal with Mary”.

Rev. Fr. Kennet Teles, Episcopal Vicar for the South Zone, celebrated the Eucharist, delivering a homily centred on the core message of Fatima. His words resonated deeply, reigniting a renewed commitment to the Blessed Mother’s call.

Rev. Fr. Jose Fernandes, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima Churcg, Cotto de Fatorpa, followed with a reflection on “Living the Fatima Message in the Modern World”. After each talk, participants prayed a Decade of the Rosary with meditations from WAF-Goa’s published reflections, fostering a rhythm of collective prayer and contemplation.

The second day included Hour of Holiness, a 10-step Ignatian-inspired prayer initiative by WAF. Rev. Fr. Pio Almeida, Spiritual Advisor of WAF-Goa, spoke on “Understanding the Power of the Meditative Rosary”, and

Rev. Fr. Sevile Antao ofm Cap delivered a talk on “The Brown Scapular – A Sign of Marian Protection”. Both offered deep insights into Marian spirituality.

Dr. Celcio Dias, former International Secretary of the World Apostolate of Fatima, reflected on “December 10, 1925 – The Forgotten Apparition That Completes Fatima – 100 Years”, shedding light on its overlooked significance.

Mr. Lester De Mello, Chairman of WAF Goa Archdiocesan Division and National Centre, led two workshops titled “Growing WAF Parish Units” and “Growing Prayer Cells in Your Community”, offering practical guidance for strengthening lay participation and mission. These drew from the Synodal Assembly’s final document and the CCBI’s Journeying Towards a Synodal Church: Mission 2033, aligning grassroots action with the Church’s broader vision.

At the heart of the congress was the Midday Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Ferrao and concelebrated by several parish priests. The experience of worship was deeply moving. His Eminence’s homily emphasised the importance of praying the Daily Rosary for peace, echoing Our Lady’s Fatima message and inspiring many to renew their devotion.

A special felicitation ceremony honoured former WAF-Goa Executive Committee members who served faithfully across seven decades. Gratitude filled the room as the current generation recognised the legacy of those who paved the way. Outstanding WAF Parish Units were also acknowledged from among the nearly 70 active units across the Archdiocese, their vibrant evangelisation efforts met with visible pride and appreciation.

The congress concluded with the veneration of the Relics of the Fatima Saints—a moment of silent reverence and unity. More than a commemorative event, the congress stood as a living expression of faith, devotion, and the timeless call of Our Lady of Fatima.

This Marian Congress beautifully embodied the spirit of synodality, demonstrating the Church's call for walking together. Organised primarily by the lay faithful of WAF-Goa, it highlighted their initiative, leadership, and commitment. “This harmonious collaboration at the WAF Marian Congress 2025 between the laity and the clergy truly brought the vision of a synodal Church to life,” remarked Mr. Lester De Mello. As participants departed, they carried with them a renewed commitment to Our Lady’s message and the mission of peace she entrusted to all.

By Lester DeMello, Chairman WAF Goa Unit

HISTORY OF 70 YEARS OF WAF IN GOA.

The WAF in Goa began in 1954, founded by Monsignor Servulo Conceicao Guilherme Antonio Jose da Piedade, a native of Chinchinim, born on March 14, 1910. A deeply spiritual man, he served faithfully until his passing on March 19, 1996, at the Clergy Home in Porvorim. I recall meeting him there in my youth, where he handed me a book on the Devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus, which I still pray today.

Fr. Servulo often said, “Recite the Rosary well, daily, and you will have nothing to fear.” recalls our members Agustino Dias and Dionisio Fernandes who are also with us today. His efforts gave significant momentum to the Fatima devotion in Goa. Under Portuguese influence for over 450 years, Goans were already familiar with Our Lady of Fatima and the names Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta.

Fr. Servulo, appointed by Patriarch of East Indies Rt. Rev. Dr. Jose da Costa Nunes, served as the founding president of the Blue Army (as it was then called). The devotion flourished across Goa, with parish-level processions, rosary circles, and homes welcoming the Pilgrim Virgin Statue.

Marian author Tony Fernandes (now in Canada) recalls candle-lit processions to the grotto at Monte de Guirim, and the timeless Konkani hymn ‘Maie Kakutin Bhorlele’, composed in 1949 when the statue from Portugal first arrived, still resonates in churches and homes today.

Some milestones that testify to this lasting devotion:

● 1949 – Statue of Our Lady of Fatima brought to Goa

● Oct 11, 1954 – Blue Army launched in Goa by Fr. Servulo

● 1978 – Goa hosts 4th All India Blue Army Marian Congress

● 1954–1993 – Pilgrim Virgin Statue visited Goa six times

● 1999 – Goa becomes India’s National Centre for WAF

● 2000 – First National Council Meeting held in Goa

● 2010 – WAF receives permanent approval from the Holy See

Following Fr. Servulo’s illness rendering him incapable, WAF saw a lull until Dr. Alvaro da Costa, a dentist from Mumbai, revived it after settling in Goa in 1987. Though known for promoting the Garabandal apparitions, he became instrumental in restoring WAF activities. It was he who introduced me to the Apostolate in 1995.

Other stalwarts who strengthened the movement include Fr. Anastasio Gomes, Mr. Ubaldo Duarte, Eng. Sebastiao Pinto, and several committed chairpersons such as Joe D’souza, Rosa da Costa, Augusto Monteiro, Fr. Adolfo Viegas, Fr. Antonio Couto, Fr. Cromacio Mascarenhas, Eng. J.S. Pinto, Dr. Celcio Dias, Francis Barreto, and Anthony Viegas.

Mr. Francis Barreto documented the Apostolate’s history and wrote now nearly 75 books on Mother Mary and other devotions and organized large-scale events including the Mini Marian Congress (2016) and the Centenary Celebrations (2017) at Sé Cathedral, along with welcoming the WAF International President and Secretary in 2018 at the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

Dr. Celcio Dias, as International Secretary (2008–2022), was present along with other WAF-Goa’s members during WAF’s elevation to a Public Association of Pontifical Right, in Rome in 2010.

Under the chairmanship of Mr. Anthony Viegas (2015-18) , several of the above-mentioned mega events were successfully organized. A major milestone during this period was the generous donation by our heaven-sent, Mr. Tony Rodrigues who we have subsequently given the official Title of “Patron of the WAF-Goa” , gifted WAF Goa a 2BHK office space in a luxury complex on the iconic Ribandar hillock. We also fondly remember and thank the late Fr. Conceicao D’Silva, our former Spiritual Advisor and then Parish Priest of Taleigao, for his vital role in making this connection possible.

Today, under our Chairman Mr. Lester D’mello, with the spiritual guidance of our Spirutal Advisor Fr. Pio Almeida, the World Apostolate of Fatima Parish unit , that promote the First Saturday Devotion and Meditative Rosary has spread to over 60 parishes in Goa.

We are ever grateful to Msgr. Servulo da Piedade for planting this seed over 70 years ago, and to Dr. Alvaro da Costa and many others who have now passed May God grant eternal peace to their souls and we acknowledge the roles played by Francis Barretto, Dr. Celcio Duas, Anthony Viegas and others who watered it with their love and dedication.

Compiled by: Miss Shirley Fernandes and Mr Lester D’mello

Goa: Jubilee of Marian spirituality on 31 May 2025

1] St Anne's Church Ponda

WAF members offered flowers at 5.15 pm symbolizing love and devotion to Mother Mary and place them in a basket.
At 5.30pm five WAF members led a Meditative rosary.

At 6.30 pm a beautifully conducted mass led by WAF members and the choir, filled the church to capacity.
At 7.30 pm A vibrant procession ,WAF members with Lanterns and Angles accompanied by Fr. and Our Lady.

The Marian procession was stunning
Children joyfully participated in cutting the cake.

2] St. Francis of Assisi Church Colvale.

Type of Prayer : 7.00 am Mass followed by Povitrtaiechem Vor.

No. of attendees in the beginning : 50

People joined to lead prayers : 15 + Choir ( Marian hymns)

Marian Day special :
♡ Dress code : Blue and white.
♡ Decor : Floral, blue - white table decor.
♡ Angels procession. ( Salve)
♡ Fellowship ( served tea & cake , snack ).
♡ WAF banner & Legion of Mary Flag.

Mass presided by PP Fr Arlino de Mello

WAF Banner displayed

Fellowship with our parishioners in Church hall

3] Our Lady of Fatima Church, Cotto De Fatorpa

Type of Prayers : Nhiallacho Ters Miss & Pursanv.

No. of Attendees: Beginning we had 80, then it goes to 160+.
Special: Procession after Mass & get-together

Mass near Grotto

Grotto with lights and flowers

Meditative Rosary

Candlelit procession with Mother Mary

Final blessing with Mother Mary

Group photo WAF PP MC Srs Choir

4] Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs Church Assolna

we began povitrtaechem hor at 4.00pm

we had procession of our Lady also.more than 100 devotees were present.

We dressed 3 childern as Lucy Jacinta & Francisco.

Father accompanied us for the povitrtaechem hor. God bless him and his good work.In the beginning Fr spoke on Mother Mary.

WAF banner was also displayed.

At the end we had fellowship.

5] Our Lady of Flight Church, Cunchelim

This morning, the parish community gathered in devotion and fellowship.

The day began with Holy Mass at 7:00 AM, celebrated by our beloved Fr. Alexandre Fernandes
This was followed by a procession and meditative Rosary, offering prayers and reflections in unity.

Parishioners then came together for a joyful get-together, sharing in tea, snacks, and fun-filled games, strengthening the bonds of our community.

We had a word game MARIAN DAY
These 9 letters we pinned to 9 members in each group. We had 2 groups participating. Each group had a leader and we had a referee and the game organiser.
And each group had to assemble as the word called out eg. Mary, Day, Maria etc. we had 9 words called out or 9 rounds. Which ever group assembled first was the winner and given points.

6] Our Lady of Ajuda Church Ribandar

Type of Prayer: 5 pm

Started with small Procession with WAF members and few Parishners singing and bringing mother Mary in the church ️

Full hour of Devotion prays.
End with nice hymns of mother Mary.

Followed by Mass...
Small fellowship with cake & tea...

Everything went well..good praises.

7] Our Lady of Consolation of the Persecuted, Tropa, Sodiem, Siolim

Type of Prayer - Povitrtaiechem Vor, uprant Mis

We started our service at 6am. We had 18 people at the start and a lot more by the end. After Mass we celebrated with cake. We, all together, took selfies with Mother Mary.

8] Our Lady of Fatima Church, Dicarpale

Type of Prayer: Nhiallacho ters uprant mis

Number of attendees in the beginning : 20 middle 50+ before mass 100+

Anything special organised for the day: small procession before mass .WAF members 6 + 2 Fathes + liturgy readers + Alterservers sorry couldn't take video of this

9] St. Elizabeth Chorch,, Ucassaim

Type of prayer: Provitrachem vor. Started at 4.00 pm.

Niyallacho ters was conducted by the legionaries. The rest of the prayers by WAF team.

10] Our Lady of Victory Church Revora

we began our Meditative Rosary at 7am with

5 members doing the
5 Mysteries followed by Mass with a total of 18 parishioners including celebrating their Birthday today.

11] Our Lady of Hope Church Candolim

started Povitrtaechem Vor at 6 am. With 15 Apostolic Members and 20 Parishioners in the beginning, followed by more Parishioners ended at 6.55am, followed by Mass