Abu Dhabi: The Konkani Community of St. Paul’s Catholic Church Mussafah, Abu Dhabi celebrated St. Francis Xavier’s Festival with a great fervor on Saturday, December 3.
The Holy Mass started at 5.30 pm with a procession of carrying the statue of St. Francis Xavier in acradle to the Alter by Community members followed by Alter Servers, Lay Ministers and Priests. The main celebrant of the Festive Mass was Rev. Fr. Ashok Gonsalves, Spiritual Director, Konkani Community and co-celebrant Rev. Fr. Ani Xavier, Parish Priest. Over 400 people attended the mass. At the beginning of the Mass, novena of St. Francis Xavier was recited.
On conclusion of the Holy Mass, the faithful were directed to proceed to the basement for cultural programme followed by fellowship meal. The Master of Ceremony of the evening was Nathaline Goddad and Maria Pereira. The main Coordinator of Konkani community Apex Team, Robert Pinto appreciated Rev. Fr. Ani Xavier, Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Eugene, Asst. Parish Priest and Rev. Fr. Biju, Asst. Parish Priest along with Guest of Honors Lancy D’Souza, Benny Travasso, Robert D’Souza and Richard Castelino for their continued support to the Konkani community.
The celebration began by traditional lighting of lamp by Apex Team Members, Priests, Guests of Honour followed by cutting of the cake. In the meantime, cake and juice was served to all guests. Rev. Fr. Ani Xavier spoke and appreciated the unity among the community and Rev. Fr. Ashok and Rev. Fr. Eugene spoke on the occasion, congratulated the members of the community, and appreciated their efforts in building strong spiritual foundation within the community. Lancy D’Souza and Benny Travasso and Richard Castelino also praised the efforts of the young in the community and appreciated their hard work.
A welcome prayer dance was performed by the children, followed by a filmy dance. Then a witty comedy skit was performed by Mussafah youngsters, which was enjoyed by all. Thereafter, the little masters performed an eye-catching dance. Thus the classy cultural show of the evening was concluded by a Mando singing and Baila dance. In between the programmes, spot games were conducted and gifts were distributed to children. A vote of thanks was given by the Apex Team member and the MC requested the gathering to have the sumptuous dinner and fellowship meal. During the dinner, melodious Konkani Choir performed breathtaking Konkani Baila dance and sung folklore songs. Rev. Fr. Ashok Gonsalves concluded the ceremony with a prayer and hymn Argatuka somiya’ followed by Laudate. It was a fun filled and memorable evening for all Konkani Community members.
