St Paul’s CCKC Celebrates St Francis Xavier’s Festival
UAE: The Konkani Community of St Paul’s Catholic Church Mussafah, Abu Dhabi celebrated St Francis Xavier’s Festival with great fervor on December 3, 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 Fr Ashok Gonsalves, Spiritual Director, Konkani Community and co-celebrant Fr Ani Xavier, Parish Priest. A large number of people attended the mass. At the beginning of the Mass novena of St Francis Xavier was recited.
On conclusion of the Holy Mass, the faithful were directed to proceed to the basement for the cultural programme followed by a 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 Pinto requested Fr Ani Xavier, Parish Priest, Fr Eugene, Asst. Parish Priest and Fr Biju, Asst. Parish Priest along with the Guests of Honour Lancy D’Souza, Benny Travasso, Robert D’Souza and Richard Castelino for felicitation and appreciated their continued support for the Konkani community.
The celebration began with the traditional lighting of Lamps by Apex Team Members, Priests and Guests of Honour, followed by cutting of the cake. In the meantime, cake and juice were served to all guests. Fr Ani Xavier spoke and appreciated the unity among the community. Fr Ashok and Fr Eugene spoke on the occasion and congratulated the members of the community, and appreciated their efforts in building a strong spiritual foundation within the community. Lancy D’Souza, Benny Travasso and Richard Castelino also praised the efforts of the youth in the community and appreciated their hard work.
The cultural programme started with a welcome prayer dance performed by the children, followed by a filmy dance. A witty comedy skit was performed by Mussafah youngsters, which was enjoyed by all. Thereafter, the little masters performed an eye-catching dance. Thus the classy cultural show of the evening concluded with a Mando singing and Baila dance. In between the programme, spot games were conducted and gifts were distributed to children. The vote of thanks was delivered by the Apex Team member. A sumptuous dinner was served to all. During the dinner, breathtaking Konkani Baila dance and folklore singing was conducted by the melodious Konkani Choir. Fr Ashok Gonsalves concluded the ceremony with a prayer and the hymn Arga tuka somiya followed by Laudate. It was a fun-filled memorable evening for all KonkaniCommunity members.