Abu Dhabi: Konkani community celebrates St Francis Xavier’s Festival

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, 3rd December 2016. The Holy Mass started at 5.30 pm with a procession with carrying the statue of St. Francis Xavier in a cradle 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. A large number of crowed over 400 attended the mass. At the beginning of the Mass novena of St. Francis Xavier was recited.

On conclusion of the Holy Mass, the faithfuls’ were directed to proceed to the basement for cultural programme followed by fellowship meal. The Master of Ceremony of the evening was conducted by Nathaline Goddad and Maria Pereira. The main Coordinator of Konkani community Apex Team, Robert Pintorequested 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 felicitation and appreciated for their continued support for the Konkani community.
The celebration began by traditional lighting of Lamps by Apex Team Members, Priests, Guest of Honoursfollowed 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 for their efforts in building strong spiritual foundation within the community. Lancy D’Souza and Benny Travasso and Richard Castelino also praised the efforts of young community and appreciated the hard work. In order to start the culturalprogramme, MC directed all Priests and Guest of Honors to their seat.
A welcome prayer dance was performed by the children, followed by a filmy dance. Then a witty comedy skit performed by Mussafah youngsters, which enjoyed by all. Thereafter, our 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 MC has requested all people to have sumptuous dinner and fellowship meal. During the dinner, breathtaking Konkani Baila dance and folklore singing was conducted by melodious Konkani Choir. Rev. Fr. Ashok Gonsalvesconcluded the ceremony with a prayer with and hymn Argatukasomiya followed by Laudate.It was a fun filled memorable evening for all Konkani community members.