Abu Dhabi: The Konkani Community of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Mussaffah in Abu Dhabi gathered in large numbers for the thanksgiving mass on account of their 1st anniversary celebration on July 8.
Spiritual Director of Konkani Community Fr. Ashok Gonsalves celebrated the mass and invited everyone to help each other in their day today life to be a part of the kingdom of God. A special liturgy was organised as part of the celebration.
The mass was followed by a brief formal program attended by the members of the community. Fr. Ashok Gonsalves along with guest priests Fr. Rafi, Fr. Arun Raj were the chief guests of the program. President of KCO Abu Dhabi Leo Rodrigues and sponsor Robert D’Souza were the guests of honor. Konkani community apex committee co-ordinator Robert Pinto welcomed the guests and the gathering. Traditional lamp was lighted by guests and apex committee members as a symbol of inauguration of the anniversary celebration. A special cake was cut by guests and Konkani Prayer Group core team members to add joy to the celebration. Earlier at the beginning, parish priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Mussaffah Fr. Ani Xavier gave his message to the community members and appreciated the community’s service to the parish.
Apex committee treasurer John D’Lima presented the report of activities in the past one year. Students Herrick Fernandes, Ruby Merlin Pinto and Abigail Sequiera who secured highest marks in the recently concluded 10th and PUC exams were honoured. Fr. Rafi and Fr. Arun Raj recognized the efforts and service of the Konkani community and wished them good luck.
Guest of honor, KCO Abu Dhabi President Leo Rodrigues in his messages appreciated the spiritual and social activities done by Konkani community in Mussaffah in its very first year itself and wished all success for the future. Fr. Ashok in his message thanked all the community members for their tireless service and asked to continue serving with the same zeal.
Cultural programs followed starting with the anniversary song ‘Sontosaso dees udela’ written by Suresh Saldanha, music composed and arranged by Ashwin Dais and sung by the choir members. A dance by the kids Rishona D’Souza, Joshwa D’Costa, Alrick Sequiera, Sohan D’Souza, Rohan D’Souza, Anjelete Pinto, Jestine D’Souza, Saira Azaredo, Merlin Godad, Natasha D’Souza, Ethan D’Mello, Ean D’Mello and Nathan Periera was well appreciated by the people gathered. Konkani dance by Canara Konkans Abu Dhabi and filmy dance by Robert, Simpson, Praveen, Maria, Jasmine and Josephine entertained everyone. Musical instrument magic was another entertaining item presented by Alreick Sequiera and Anjelete Pinto. The hilarious jokes by the trio of Jossie, Loyd and Vincent started a laughter riot in the gathering. Sumptuous dinner sponsored by Robert D’Souza and community members was served. The event ended with baila dance and singing of traditional Laudate.
Canute Kelarai compered the event with his usual wits every now and then with his humour and spot games. Apex committee secretary Veeda D Lima gave the vote of thanks. The efforts of apex team comprising of Robert Pinto, John D’Lima, Veeda D’Lima, Nathline Sumer, Robert Cardin, Menino D’Silva, Maria Periera, Rony Tauro and KPG core team members Prashanth Cutinho, Anil Monteiro, Jerald Monis, Francis Rego, Wilson Mendonca, Ashwin Dias and Jessy Rasquinha with the guidance of Fr. Ashok Gonsalves was well appreciated by community members.
