Abu Dhabi: St. Joseph’s Konkanni Community (SJKC) celebrated Christmas in a very grand way on December 15 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral parish hall. The celebrations commenced with the Holy Mass celebrated by the main celebrant Rev. Fr. Rodson Goes O.F. M. Cap, the Assistant Parish Priest and Spiritual Director of SJKC. After the mass, MC Annu Bantwal (Prem) took over and welcomed the gathering and invited Fr. Johnson, the Parish Priest, accompanied by Fr. Rodson, to switch on the lights of the Christmas Tree. As the lights came on, the community members gave a thunderous applause for the beautifully decorated Christmas tree bedecked with dancing lights.
In his message, Fr. Johnson, said, “As I switched on the lights of Christmas Tree, which is decorated very beautifully and better than last year, I saw that the number of people from the community attending the Christmas celebrations are more than last year.” He congratulated the committee members who worked to make the programme successful. Continuing he said, “The whole parish compound is filled with various communities, joyously celebrating Christmas.” He wished all the community members a Merry Christmas.
Fr. Rodson took his turn to wish the community a Merry Christmas and added that the programme was possible only with the support of the community members, sponsors and the strong committee who had taken the leadership to bring the community together in unity, love and peace.
The choir then sang a few carols and was accompanied by the arrival of the much awaited Santa Claus. All the children were delighted to see Santa and surrounded him. Santa then proceeded to give away gifts to all the people, especially the children.
The celebration concluded on a joyful note with the distribution of the traditional Konkani Kuswar to all the community members.
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