Nativity feast at St. Antony’s Church, Ras Al Khaimah

By Alex Crasta, Ras Al Khaimah
Pics by Reevan Noronha/Noel Castelino
Bellevision Media Network

Ras Al Khaimah, 19 Sep 2012: The Konkani Community of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, Ras Al Khaimah, consisting of a number of Mangalorean and Goan families celebrated the Feast of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary on Monday, September 10 with great religious fervor.

 

All devotees along with two  priests marched in procession to the Grotto singing “Sokkad Sangaatha Melyaan”  where  the  flower  strewing  ceremony took place. About  30 kids  joined  by adults threw flowers to honour Mother Mary  with everybody singing “Moriek Hogollsiam”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The feast high mass was celebrated by Fr. Dolphy Serrao, of St. Anne’s Friary, Mangalore and the  Community Priest Fr. Rodson from St. Michael’s Church, Sharjah. Fr. Serrao  in his  homily narrated the origin of the feast and the   flowers strewing  ceremony, besides explaining  why our  lady is  known  as “Monti Saibinn”.

 

The choir group under the leadership of Agnes Roche, with Prashanth Pinto at the keyboard, sang some beautiful new hymns, to add splendor to the mass. All devotees joined the choir in singing, as every hymn was displayed on a visual screen in bi-lingual script, thus making participation in the mass more meaningful. The mass was well attended by nearly 125 devotees.
After mass sweets were distributed to the children and blessed corn mixed with “Orn” was  distributed  to all in a symbolic  ceremony of “ Novem Jevann” reminiscent  of the traditions.

 

The celebrations further continued on Thursday, September 13, with a get-together at the local Venus Restaurant with variety entertainment. Popular Songs were presented by the Konkani Community together with games and prizes, so as to keep engaged the crowd. The show was compered by Dr. Zita Lobo and the vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Laveena Castelino.
The deliciously prepared “Novem Jevaan” by  Venus Restaurant,  was  served in traditional Mangalorean style. The Community sang “Lavdate “. after the last  serving.

 

 

After food, a   housie game was conducted by Ramona Fernandes.

 

The show then ended with most of the participants winning some gift or the other. The Konkani community enjoyed this rare occasion as one family.