St. Francis Xavier unites the Goan community in Nairobi in prayer and celebration

Fr. Mervin, Nairobi
Bellevision Media Network

Nairobi, 04 Dec 2012: In keeping with their long-rich tradition, the Goan community in Nairobi marked the feast of St. Francis Xavier, popularly known as "Goencho Saib" (Lord of Goa) with great devotion and religious fervour on 3 December 2012.  The celebration began with  Eucharistic celebration that started at about 10.30 am at the Holy Family Minor Basilica located in the heart of Kenyan capital, Nairobi. About 300 Goans and a good number of local faithful participated in the Holy Mass, paying glowing tributes to the great missionary, often referred to as the ‘Apostle to the East’.

 

 

 Highlighting the extraordinary missionary enterprise of St. Francis in Goa, Japan and beyond, Fr. Mervin, SVD, invited the congregation to appreciate the gift of faith, implanted in their hearts through the untiring toil of the Saint and share it with all generously. He further implored them to emulate the tremendous zeal and enthusiasm of St. Francis in spreading the Kingdom of God to the ends of the earth; beginning with their own immediate environments.

 
 Fr. Joseph Horo, CSSR and Rev. Deacon Geoffrey Kamua, SVD concelebrated. The choir led by 3 members of the community, rent the skies, resounding in every corner of the magnificent Basilica. The liturgical celebration ended with kissing of relic of the Saint.

 

 Later, after the mass the participants gathered in the adjoining hall for refreshments and fellowship sharing. There was a repeat of the miracle of multiplication of bread and fish, when every family spread on a common table, whatever little they had brought along.  It could be mentioned here that the Goan community has made remarkable contributions towards spreading the Catholic faith in Nairobi and also other parts of Kenya. In spite being a small community, they have helped build some churches in the country. They are also uniquely known for keeping alive many Catholic devotions. May St. Francis continue to intercede for all and send down blessings from above.