Abu Dhabi: Konkani Community of Mussafah parish celebrate feast of St Francis Xavier

Bellevision Media Network

Abu Dhabi, 09 Dec 2016: The Konkani Community of St Paul’s Catholic Church, Mussafah, here celebrated feast of St Francis Xavier with a utmost religious fervor on Saturday, December 3.

 

The fest Mass started at 5.30pm with a procession carrying the statue of St Francis Xavier in a cradle to the altar by Community members followed by altar servers, lay ministers and priests.

 

Fr Ashok Gonsalves, spiritual director, Konkani Community and parish priest Fr Ani Xavier, celebrated the festal Mss attended by a large number of faithful. The novena in honor of St Francis Xavier was held before the festal Mass.

 

 

After the festal Mass, the cultural events were held at the basement. Nathaline Goddad and Maria Pereira were the comperes of the event.

 

The key co-ordinator of Konkani community core Committee Robert Pinto thanked and felicitated Fr Ani Xavier, assistant parish priests Fr Eugene and Fr Biju for their continued support to the Konkani community.

 

Lancy D’Souza, Benny Travasso, Robert D’Souza and Richard Castelino were the guests of honor.

 

The celebration began by traditional lighting of lamps by core Committee members, clergies and guests of honor followed by cutting of the cake.

 

Fr Ani Xavier appreciated the unity among the community and Fr Ashok and Fr Eugene spoke on the occasion, congratulated the members of the community, and appreciated for their efforts in building strong spiritual foundation within the community. 

 

Lancy D’Souza and Benny Travasso and Richard Castelino lauded the efforts of young community and appreciated the hard work.  

 

A welcome prayer dance was performed by the children, followed by a filmy dance. A witty comedy skit performed by Mussafah youngsters, which enjoyed by all.  Thereafter, little boys performed an eye-catching dance. Thus, the classy cultural show of the evening was concluded by a Mando singing and Baila dance.

 

Spot games were conducted and gifts were distributed to children. 

 

A sumptuous dinner was served to the gathering.

 

During the dinner, breathtaking Konkani Baila dance and folklore singing was conducted by melodious Konkani Choir. Fr Ashok Gonsalves concluded the ceremony with a prayer and singing Konkani hymn Arga tuka somiya followed by Laudate. It was a fun filled memorable evening for all Konkani Community members.