During Lent, retreats are conducted in parishes throughout Goa, focused on helping the Catholic community strengthen their faith. It also provides a chance to reflect and embrace the path of righteousness.
Along with religious devotions, like the 'Stations of the Cross', and retreats organised by parishes for their congregations, recent years have also witnessed a few tiatr directors staging Lenten shows, including operas and operettas, to uplift the minds and souls of devotees.
Along with a light dose of entertainment, these Lenten shows serve as tools for renewal of life by way of reflection on various subjects pertaining to religion and lifestyles.
SHOWS WITH THEMES
In the past, Lenten shows by Fr Nevil Gracias and Fr Planton Faria focused on the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Alongside these presentations, they also reflected on modern life and how embracing change could bring positive transformations.
The late Fr Nevil would annually present Lenten shows centered around the pastoral theme of the year. The songs in these shows were deeply rooted in religious and family values, addressing relevant themes and issues.
Fr Gracias, while offering a touch of laughter, also ensured his shows provided valuable food for thought. As a priest, he could easily stage his Lenten performances in nearly all the parishes in Goa, sharing his message with the faithful through thoughtful acts and meaningful songs.
For the past few years, 6 to 8 Lenten shows have been staged during the season of grace across villages and cities. Parish priests have actively supported these shows to foster the spiritual growth of their parishioners.
But this year, the number of such presentations has declined drastically. The Lenten shows to be staged this year include Fr Doel Dias’ Lenten show Funkea Ghe, followed by Willy Silveira’s 9th production Panch Ani Don Bara.
Other shows include Rons Tavares’ show Farikponn Kornneachem, Calado de Verna’s Porgottnar, John Miranda’s third presentation Hi Amchea Patkank Sajea and Lenoy Gomendes’ last year’s presentation Iadnik Tum Sasnna Sasnank, which continues this year as well.
Fr Doel Dias shared his perspective on Lenten shows, emphasising that the stage is a powerful platform for conveying messages of faith and ethical values.
He noted, “Sometimes, preaching from the pulpit isn’t as effective as a Lenten show, as people can see and hear the message through acting and singing.”
As a catechist in his parish of Verna (South Goa) for many years, Calado de Verna has been organising Lenten shows annually, recently focusing on pastoral themes. “It helps to concentrate and reflect deeply on what the pastoral theme is all about,” he shared.
“Our bishop has been releasing his pastoral letter every year, based on the pastoral theme. And, his reflections on the specific subject help us to work on the stage presentation by way of Lenten plays,” Calado de Verna explained.
“The response has been overwhelming in the parishes, and the parish priests have always been very encouraging to stage my theatrical productions,” he noted.