Issorcim unites to build new Vailankanni Chapel at Hollant ahead of feast


Daijiworld Media Network - Vasco

Vasco, Aug 30: In a heartfelt display of unity, devotion, and community spirit, the villagers of Issorcim have come together to build a new Vailankanni Chapel at Hollant, just in time for the upcoming feast. What once was a modest site marked only by a laterite cross has now been transformed into a beautiful chapel — a new spiritual landmark for the coastal village.

Built where faithful once gathered for simple prayers and novenas, the chapel stands as a symbol of resilience and collective effort. Former Velsao panch and social worker Roquezinho D’Souza, whose family has long been connected to the chapel's legacy, reflected on how far the site has come.

“My father was once the president of the Hollant Church. I still remember walking along railway tracks to attend the December feast when there was no proper road here. We’d sleep nearby, and villagers would feed us. Today, seeing this chapel built with such dedication fills me with pride,” D’Souza shared.

The journey began when the late Armando Pereira brought back a statue of Our Lady of Vailankanni from the famed Tamil Nadu shrine and placed it at the site. A small shed followed, with the statue enclosed in a glass case, drawing villagers regularly for prayer.

The current chapel stands on land donated by local resident Babu Naik, who gave 300 square metres for the construction. The decision to build a full-fledged chapel was made after Cyclone Tauktae destroyed the earlier structure when a coconut tree collapsed onto it.

“It was a turning point. The destruction made us realise we needed to build something lasting,” D’Souza said. “With contributions from villagers, MLA Anton Vas, and other supporters, we achieved this dream. The new chapel not only strengthens our faith but also adds beauty to Hollant.”

The chapel was recently inaugurated and blessed by Fr Lazarus Godinho, who has permitted the holding of novenas and mass at the new site. Now, the faithful have a sacred space to gather, worship, and celebrate the Vailankanni feast — not just in memory of the past, but in hope for the future.

For Issorcim and Hollant, this chapel is more than a place of worship; it’s a reminder of what a community can achieve when bound by purpose, faith, and love.

 

  

Top Stories


Leave a Comment

Title: Issorcim unites to build new Vailankanni Chapel at Hollant ahead of feast



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.