History of Udden Ward & Chapel
Our Lady of Fatima Chapel
- Likely in 2004 - Auxiliary Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao along with Parish Priest Raul Colaco & Sis. Cornelia Visited our Chapel
- 21st November 1996 - The current chapel structure was completed and blessed.
- Before 1983 - A small chapel was first built with hard rocks.
- 24th February 1959 - Bishop Jose Vieira Alvernaz visited our chapel along with Parish Priest Fr. Antonio Guilherme Da Costa. Present for their confirmation Agostinho, Diniz, Aleixo, Antonio, Celestina, Francisco.
- Early days - The first chapel was a humble structure, built with arecanut leaves.
- The Statue of Our Lady of Fatima was erected around 1952. Before the Statue, only a simple Holy Cross was placed for devotion. (approximately 7 years before the Tiatr ?Dhor Tea Tapdacho Ugdas?)
.jpg)
.jpg)
New Dawn Cross
"New Dawn Cross" suggests a symbol of hope, renewal, and new beginnings. It implies that the cross represents a transition from old to new, bringing light and positivity to the community. The phrase "New Dawn" conveys:1. Fresh start
2. Renewal
3. Hope
4. Positive change
5. New perspective
In this context, the New Dawn Cross could represent a blend of tradition and modernity, embracing progress while honoring heritage.
Legion of Mary - Dongravelim Saibinn
Started on Sunday, 5th November 1995 under Parish Priest Fr. John Menezes- Total Strength
- 1 Spiritual Leader
- 4 Leaders
- 19 Members
President: Peter X. Colaco
Vice President: Vivi Colaco
Secretary: Esperanca Vaz
Treasurer: Delfina Cruz
Udden Sezari Somudai (SCC)
- Established on Tuesday, 16th September 1997
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Place: House of Xavier Jose Colaco
- Guided by Fr. John Menezes
- Difference between Legion of Mary & SCC formation: 681 days
Community members travelled to neighbouring Hindu localities—Paz, Bibal, Tallem, Torl, Ambegonn, Kamarkand, and Halulem—to sing Christmas carols and proclaim the Birth of Jesus Christ. These villages had earlier Christian households.
? Annual financial accounts of collections were presented.
31 May 1999 – PPC Formation
The first Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) meeting was convened.
2002 – Meeting Day Change
Community meetings were shifted from Sunday to Wednesday.
Mariano José Colaço proposed shifting them to Saturday to ensure PPC participation.
? Proposal accepted.
Community Decisions (2002)
Only regular meeting attendees became eligible for chapel responsibilities
Decision taken to support children’s education
Commitment made to help the needy
? Pastoral Visit
Fr. Anthony Oliveira visited the ward along with members of neighbouring wards. Later, while serving in Agartala, Tripura, he wrote a letter to the community, which was duly replied to.
Social Work & Faith Activities (2002–2003)
Funds used mainly for road cleaning and collective Mass participation
Strong pastoral guidance by Fr. John Menezes
Efforts to discourage alcohol abuse
Promotion of devotion, joy, harmony, and inter-community goodwill
Chapel Maintenance & Community Life
Regular cleaning and decoration of chapel
Prayer services, scripture readings, reflections
Responsibilities assigned for feast preparations
Funds managed responsibly
Labour & Participation
Daily wages fixed: ?100 (men), ?50 (women) 52 community meetings per year Active workers publicly appreciated Registered members reached ~50 by 2003
Sunday Mass Transport
Managed by Vivi Colaço & John Colaço
? Vehicle arrived 10 minutes before Mass at the market
18–22 January 2003 – Seminary Mission Visit
Six seminarians from Saligao–Pilerne Seminary visited the ward for mission experience:
David Kumar (Quepem)
John Gomes (Aquem)
Seby Fernandes (Velim)
Joseph Peixeto (Chandor)
Mevy Mathias (Ponda)
Francisco Xavier Miranda (São José de Areal)
24 April 2003 – Chapel Feast Decision
Community resolved to celebrate the Chapel Feast on 13 May
Two poles and two flags erected
Special devotion to Sacred Heart of Jesus (Jezuchim Kirnam)
