Abu Dhbai: Konkani Community celebrates St Francis Xavier fest

Abu Dhbai: The Konkani Community of St Paul’s Church Mussafah, Abu Dhabi has celebrated St Francis Xavier fest 2017 on December 2 with a great fervor. The celebration began at 5.30 pm with reciting rosary near the Grotto of Mother Mary by the congregationwhere Rev. Fr. Valerian Fernandes OFM Cap, Chancellor, AVOSA and Rev. Fr. Dinesh Mendonca OFM Cap were present.  The statue of St. Francis Xavier has taken inside the church with a glorious procession by the congregation and soon the festive mass was started.

The main celebrant of the mass was Rev, Fr.  DineshMendonca OFM Cap.and the co-celebrant was Rev. Fr. Valerian Fernandes, OFM Cap. A large number of devotees over 600 attended this festive mass.

Immediately after the holy mass, the Cultural Programme was started in St. Francis of Assisi Hall andJohn D’Lima, Treasurer of Konkani Community Apexteam who welcomed the guests and introduced the M.C’s -Ms. Jennifer Gomes and Mr. John D’Costa to the audience. The cultural Programme began with Prayer dance performed by Sienna, Natasha and Serra

The main coordinator of the Konkani Community Mr Robert Pinto welcomed the Priests Rev. Fr. Valerian Fernandes, OFM Cap,Chancellor AVOSA, Rev.  Fr. Paul Koenig OFM Cap Custos AVOSA,Rev. Fr. Annie Xavier OFM Cap, Parish Priest,Rev. Fr. Eugene Mattioli, OFM Cap Asst. Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Jesumonicaand guests of honor M/s. Gordon D’Souza and Robert D’Souza to dais for felicitation and Flower bouquets were exchanged as token of love and gratitude for their continued support to Konkani community.

After the prayer, the traditional lighting of lamp ceremony wasdoneby all Priests, Guests of Honor, and members of the Konkani Community Apex Team. A huge special cake was cut in commemoration on the occasion of St. Francis Xavier by all Priests and Guests of Honor. During this time, MC invited to dais all people who celebrate their birthday during the month of December.  While Choir was playing the music “congratulations” Cake and Juice was distributed to all guests and attendees.

Rev. Fr. Annie Xavier, praised Konkani community for their active participation not only in community activities but also in church activities. He praised Rev. Fr. Ashok Gonsalves for his services to the Konkani community and mentioned that we all miss him as he was transferred to his diocese in Mumbai at the end of his tenure as Asst. Parish Priest. Rev. Fr. Valerian Fernandes spoke about the Saint and how powerful his faith in God and he has given a brief about the saint as well.  Rev. Fr. Paul also spoke about the occasion and praised the community and for their unity.

In order to start the cultural programme, MC has requested Chief coordinator Robert Pinto to escort Priests and distinguished Guests of Honours to their respective seats.

To start with the cultural programme, St. Francis Xavier hymn was sung by Zarina, Maria, Nicole, Rene, Anitha, Serra, Suzan, Franskin, Joshua and Dominic. Noel D’Costa provided the music for the hymn.

The highlight of the day’sactivities is the performance of small kid’s dance which was performed by Riona, Bellisha, Stacy, Giana, Keith, Steev, Dhillon, and Nathan. The small kids of Mussafah won the hearts of all the people gathered and there was a rousing  applause andrequest for “once more”.  Such a scintillating performance by small kids which was enjoyed by all.

The masterpiece of the evening attraction was the enactment St. Francis Xavier’s life history which is writtenand directedby Ms.Blessila Vas. All people stood up and appreciated the hard work put up by the artists as well as support staff. 

The witty comedy presented by Jossie and Simpson made the gathering keep on laughing.

Teen kids dance was performed by Diona, Siena, Rishona, Riona, Serra, , Ethan, Ian, , Cleon, , Roydon and Justin which made people to tap their feet which was an eye catching performance.  The evening’sfinal programme was adult dance which was performed by Marlin, Simpson, Bentis, Daisy, Cardin, Cia, Praveen and Maria. Audience enjoyed each and every moment of the programme.  During the programme, lots of spot prizes were distributed.

A vote of thanks was given by Robert Cardin who thanks each everyone for their co-operation to make this programme a great success. He also thanked sponsors, donors, Ushers and especially the community people who support each and every events of Konkani community and sought their support for their future similar events.

Cultural secretary Lawrence D’Souza has appreciated the hard work put together by all artists and requested the community members to send their children to take active part in their future programme. 

The grace over the food was prayed by Rev. Fr. Eugene Mattioli. The specialty of the meal was traditional preparation of pork which was a delicacy enjoyed by all along with the other dishes.

The Baila dance for all made the people to come on to floor and dance. The program ended with singing LaudateDomino by all. It was a memorable festive evening enjoyed and cherished by all.