Valetembi Cross is waiting for its ‘miraculous’ restoration

Margao: The overcast sky and the gentle breeze atop the hillock overlooking the quaint Quepem town provided the perfect setting for the feast of the venerated Valetembi Cross that was celebrated Tuesday evening.
Hundreds of faithful thronged the Valetembi Cross perched atop the landmark peak in time for the hour-long celebrations that began at 5pm.
The solemn feast mass was celebrated by Fr Jose Caetano D’Costa, the parish priest of Quepem.
In his brief homily, D’Costa urged the gathering to shun the path of sin and injustice and strive to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ .
The feast is celebrated enthusiastically every year with the help of the modest funds raised by the residents of the 14 houses located right below the cross. The residents of this area known as Valetembi ward, have taken it upon themselves to maintain the cross and its surroundings.
The landmark is known for its scenic beauty but the faithful refer to the holy structure as the ‘miraculous cross’, as they believe that none of their prayers before this cross go unanswered. “I have seen this cross in such a dangerous position for the last several years, but nothing has ever happened to it. If this isn’t a miracle, what is?” a local said.
The Valetembi cross, is facing serious threat of obliteration as it is almost on the verge of collapse. If urgent steps are not taken to fortify the structure, residents fear a landslide could spell disaster. Sources said that massive soil erosion on this hillock began several years ago when construction activities gained pace on the land below the hillock. Large parts of the hillock right next to the cross have already collapsed thereby exposing the foundation of the structure to the vagaries of nature.
The engravings on an object near the cross suggest that the structure dates back to the Portuguese era.
Luiza Antao, a lawyer who resides at the base of the hillock said that despite several representations to the Quepem municipality, authorities have failed to take any steps towards the maintenance of the cross over the years