Abu Dhabi Konkani Community celebrates Easter Mass

By Alphonse Mendonsa
Bellevision Media Network

Abu Dhabi 09 March 2012:  As part of the Easter Celebrations, the Easter Masses were held through out the day at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi that included English, French, Spanish, Urdu, Malayalam, Tamil, Sinhalese and Arabic from 7am till 9pm.

 

The Konkani Mass was too held at 6.00pm to a large Konkani congregation.  Rev. Fr. Valerian OFM Cap who has been just transferred from Mangalore in place Rev. Fr. Antony Lopez performed the service.  The church was filled to the full capacity.  Though it was a working day here in Abu Dhabi still people managed to attend the service at 6pm. 

 

 

 

 

In his homily Fr. Valerian stressed the need to continue our mission as the risen Lord has shown us the way and live in hope.  He also highlighted the significance of the fast and penance which was help in preparation of the Easter. 

 

The Konkani hymns were sung wonderfully by choir members under the guidance of Ms. Leena Fernandes and supported by Wilfred Fernandes (Organ).

 

Michael D’Silva (President KCO) announced that a seminar is being held at India Social and Cultural Centre on 14th April on legal issues and problems faced by NRI’s.  There will be two legal experts who will arrive from Mangalore for this purpose.

 

Fr. Valerian prior to closing blessings thanked all the community members for attending the service in large numbers and wished them Happy Easter.  He also thanked Choir members, all the ushers who worked tirelessly to arrange for this service and also all the volunteers and Alter-servers.