Dammam: Saudi Konkan Youngsters (SKY) members along with their families and guests, celebrated the feast of Nativity, at a community hall in Dammam, Saudi Arabia on Friday, September 18.
The programme started at 9.00 am with a warm welcome from the president Ronald Fernandes. Thereafter, the Infant Mary’s statue was brought in a procession singing the Konkani hymn “Sakkad Sangatha Melyan”. Shanthi Fernandes led the procession, followed by children carrying beautiful flowers to offer to Mother Mary with great devotion and enthusiasm.
The Choir sang the hymn, ‘Moriyek Hogollsiyan’, and children showered colourful flowers on Mother Mary. The concluding prayer was led by Mark Tellis with a thanksgiving hymn.
As a symbol of first fruits of the earth, Blessed corn (novem) was distributed in milk to all the gathered. Steevan Rodrigues said a prayer before the distribution, as a blessing.
Ronald Fernandes welcomed all the gathered and entertained them with numerous fun filled games. Steevan Rodrigues conducted games for couples. With this the gathering became a memorable event.
Mark Tellis led the grace before meals. Guests enjoyed a traditional meal served on shiroti (banana leaf), consisting a variety of vegetables. Sweet Vorn prepared by the Committee members was also served. After lunch, ‘Laudate’ was sung, led by Steevan Rodrigues.
Prizes were distributed to all the winners of games conducted and a Samsung TV was awarded to the lucky winner.
The day ended with lots of appreciation towards the committee members from the guests for the successful event and for the hard work put in by the organizers.
