India: Goa Parishes Use Creative Programs to Inspire Children to Imitate Saints

Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman in western India are encouraging children to embrace holiness through creative catechetical initiatives that introduce them to the lives and virtues of saints and inspire them to imitate Christ in their daily lives.

Several parishes organized Saints Go Marching In, featuring children dressed as saints in processions during Mass, while Mapusa Deanery held the fourth edition of Saints.com on Nov. 1, All Saints’ Day.

Speaking to Radio Veritas Asia after the inaugural Mass of Saints.com, Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes expressed gratitude for the initiatives undertaken by priests and catechetical associations to help children learn and practice the virtues of the saints.

“These programs are truly insightful for children. They help our children walk the way the saints walked and adorn their lives with the sacred virtues the saints practiced on earth,” he said.

This year's Saints.com focused on the lives of founders of religious congregations, presenting their stories through poetry, skits, posters and fancy dress. The program, which had been interrupted for some time, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, has now been revived.

Parishes promote holiness

Fr. Joe Rodrigues, who organized Saints Go Marching In for seven years while serving as parish priest of Our Lady of Grace Church in Margao, continued the initiative at St. Thomas Church in Aldona. This year, 150 children participated, dressed as saints.

Fr. Rodrigues said the initiative seeks to inspire children from an early age to follow Jesus closely and strive for holiness. He hopes they will cherish these childhood experiences as they grow older and develop a deeper understanding of the significance of patron saints.

At St. Sebastian's Church in Loliem, Fr. Rui Pereira CSC said each Small Christian Community (SCC) selected two saints for the children to portray. Parents and SCC members enthusiastically prepared for the celebration. Catechetical instruction on the chosen saints was also provided to children, catechists and parents during Mass.

At Immaculate Conception Church in Paroda, parish priest Fr. George Ratos said 60 children dressed as saints and participated in a procession.

“We welcomed them and prayed for them. I also appreciate the efforts of the parents and catechists who prepared the children for this occasion. Their enthusiasm and participation reflect their desire to grow in holiness and become saints,” he said.

Saints.com: Learning through creativity

Initiated by Fr. Luis Gomes when he was serving as assistant parish priest at Mapusa Church, Saints.com is organized annually by the Mapusa Deanery Catechetical Unit. The daylong program brings together children from different parishes to learn about the saints and discover ways to imitate Christ.

This year, participating parishes and chapels selected saints who founded or reformed religious orders and congregations. Their lives and contributions were presented through essays, poetry, one-act plays, videos, prayer dances, group singing, monologues, paintings, drawings, collages and exhibition stalls.

Sarah Noronha, a catechism student from Revora who portrayed St. Magdalene of Canossa, said she learned from the saint the importance of caring for others, especially poor children.

Jaden Pereira of St. Francis Xavier Church in Duler said the annual program helps children understand the lives of saints and recognize similarities between the challenges they faced and the temptations young people encounter in everyday life.

Ivy D'Souza of St. Jerome Parish in Mapusa portrayed St. Mariam Thresia in a skit. Inspired by the saint's prayerfulness, concern for the poor and lonely, and perseverance despite physical suffering, she highlighted the importance of caring for the sick and those who live in isolation.

Delina D'Souza, a parent from St. Cajetan Church in Bastora, appreciated the initiative for introducing families to lesser-known saints and their Christ-centered lives. She said parents could draw lessons from their examples to guide their children toward holiness. She also praised the creativity and commitment of catechists, parents and priests.

Tina Fernandes, a catechist at St. Anne's Church in Parra, described the program as a spiritually enriching experience. She said introducing children to St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, his compassion, dedication to the poor and founding of the Redemptorist Congregation inspired them to practice similar virtues.

She added that learning about the lives of different saints had also deepened her own faith and enriched her catechetical teaching materials and methods.

Fr. Aestrony Costa, animator of the Mapusa Deanery Catechetical Unit, said organizing Saints.com for the first time had deepened his understanding of the spiritual legacy of the saints. Their teachings, charisms and ways of life, he observed, remain relevant and continue to inspire Christians today.

Through these initiatives, the Church in Goa is encouraging children and families to see holiness not merely as an ideal but as a daily commitment expressed through prayer, compassion, service and following Christ.