Abu Dhabi: The Konkani Community of St. Paul’s Church, Mussaffah in Abu Dhabi joined together at 7 pm on December 3, 2015 to celebrate the feast of St. Francis Xavier which is a popular celebration within the Catholic community of Goa. The evening proceedings started with a thanksgiving mass concelebrated by Fr. Ashok Gonsalves and Fr. Ani Xavier. It was attended by more than 500 community members.
The mass was followed by cultural programmes by the talented children and adults of the community. The programme began with the blessing of the new sound system gifted by various donors by parish priest Fr. Ani Xavier.
This was followed by the traditional lighting of lamp and cutting of cake to declare the event open. Fr. Ani Xavier along with Fr. Paul Koening, Fr. Jhony, Fr. Ashok, Konkani Community Co-ordinator Robert Pinto, Menino, Nathalia and Jacintha did the honours. Fr. Paul Koening and Fr. Jhony spoke on the occasion and congratulated the members of the community and appreciated their efforts in building a strong spiritual foundation in this new parish.
A welcome prayer dance was performed by Daisy, Jacintha, Anita, Pramila and Jenifer. Linus entertained the crowd with his song, which was followed by traditional mando dance by Simson, Sunitha, Robert, Jenifer, Victor, Anita, Pramila, Daisy, Jacintha and Kenny.
Children Monal, Monisha, Deona, Stacy, Angelet, Alric, Cleon, Ian and Ethan performed a filmy dance followed by fusion filmy dance by members of Canara Konkans UAE. Following this was a western dance by Bentist, Daisy, Pramila, Maria, Simpson and Nathalia.
All the dances were well choreographed by Nathalia and were appreciated by the attendees. Attractive spot games were conducted and prizes were given. Robert Pinto thanked all who those who helped him in putting up the event. Gordon and Canute Kelarai compered the event. Delicious dinner was served to all the attendees at the end of the programme.
