Goan Reporter: Ponda Parish Gears Up to Celebrate Feast of St. Anne on July 27

The Feast of St. Anne, patron saint of mothers, minors, and women in labor, will be celebrated on July 27, 2025, by St. Anne’s Church, Ponda, a parish with roots dating back to 1700. The novenas, which began on July 18, are being held with deep fervor, following age-old traditions of Ters, Ladainha, and prayer (magnnem). This year’s theme is based on the pastoral letter of Hope (Bhorvanso). Founded in the Nova Conquesta region, the parish was entrusted to the Franciscan Fathers in 1961. Parish priest Rev. Fr. Francis Rozario OFM and Choirmaster Custodio Dias, who has led liturgical music for 50 years, are among the key figures preserving this spiritual legacy. The parish has nine chapels across nearby villages and a resident chaplain at Mt. Carmel Chapel, Sadar Ponda. The feast mass on July 27 at 9:30 AM will be celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Rev. Fr. Simiao Fernandes. Grandparents are honored on July 26, the actual feast day of St. Anne and Joachim, through floral tributes, cards, and songs by catechist children. Academic toppers will also be felicitated. The Goan diaspora in the UK will simultaneously celebrate the feast in Swindon, upholding the cherished Ponda traditions.