Residents of Palolem, a coastal village in Goa, southwest India, marked the annual feast of the Holy Cross Chapel on May 10, continuing a tradition linked to a cross believed to have been found by local fishermen more than 300 years ago.
Located in Canacona, in southern Goa, Palolem is known as a fishing and tourism center along India’s western coast. The Holy Cross Chapel, overlooking the Arabian Sea, remains an important religious and cultural landmark for the local community.
The celebration followed six days of novena prayers and community preparations. Residents decorated the chapel with flowers and organized processions and liturgical events connected with the feast.
According to local resident Natividade de Sa, oral tradition holds that fishermen discovered the cross washed ashore by strong tides several centuries ago. Villagers from different religious communities helped bring the cross from the beach and placed it near the shoreline, where it later became an object of local devotion.
For many years, the cross remained near a seawall facing the ocean. Local fishing families associated the site with protection at sea and successful fishing seasons. Devotion to the cross gradually spread beyond the Catholic community, with people from other faith traditions also participating in offerings and feast activities.
The chapel developed over time from a small canopy into a permanent structure. Community members recalled the contributions of local families and residents, including the donation of land by Mohan Nagarsekar for the construction of the shrine.
Unlike many church feasts linked to the liturgical calendar, the Palolem celebration is observed annually on May 10, regardless of the day of the week.
The feast Mass was celebrated by Fr. Socor Colaco, parish priest of St. Theresa of Avila Church. In his homily, he reflected on the challenges people face in daily life and spoke about the Christian understanding of suffering and perseverance, drawing from the biblical story of Job.
Following the Mass, a procession carrying the cross moved through the village streets, accompanied by parishioners, local residents, and visitors.
Organizers said the annual feast continues to serve as a point of unity for the village community amid social and economic changes in the region.
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