Doha: Konkani Community Celebrate St. Francis Xavier Feast

By Riana Pinto, KSC Qatar
Bellevision Media Network

Doha, 07 December 2011: St. Francis Xavier “Goencho Saib” feast is celebrated on 3rd December 2011 by all Goans with great fervor and devotion wherever they may be. In Doha Qatar, all Konkani speaking people of Our Lady of Rosary Church of Qatar under the banner of Konkani Speaking Community (KSC) and under the guidance of Fr. Anand Castelino OFM Cap, the Spiritual Director of the Konkani community celebrated the feast of St. Francis Xavier on a grandeur scale.

 

The feast mass was celebrated on Saturday December 3rd 2011 at 5.30 pm by thousands of devotees gathered at the Main Church. The Holy mass in Konkani was concelebrated by visiting priest Rev. Fr. Olavo Caiado, Youth Director, from Goa Diocese and Fr. Anand Castelino.  Fr. Olavo, the main celebrant in his homily preached on the theme “Bhagivont Fransisk Xavier, Devache Utrache Porgottnnecho Govai” (St. Francis Xavier - Witness to the Proclamation of God’s Word).

 

As a preparation to the feast, nine days novena from 24th November was held and Fr. Olavo preached on various themes which was very much liked and appreciated by the community. On 2nd December, as a conclusion to 9 days novena, Besp was celebrated with a mass, followed by a procession with the statue of St. Francis Xavier and its devotees around the church compound and concluded with novena.

 

The feast Pirginth was Rosary Boys of Goa in Qatar where a group of bachelors with some families jointly celebrated the feast. The offertory procession was made by the Pirginth. All Novena Sponsors, Murdoms and Pirginth were honoured with a blessed candle and this was conducted by Riana Pinto, KSC Secretary. At the end of the mass, Parish Priest Fr. Peter conveyed his festive greetings to the Konkani community people and thanked Fr. Anand and Fr. Olavo who were instrumental for the great devotion observed by the people to St. Francis Xavier and for the grand celebrations. He invoked the blessings of St. Francis Xavier on all his devotees.

 

The feast mass was followed by a short cultural program at the Seraphic hall where all people gathered after exchanging feast
greetings. The cultural program was conducted by Mario D’Costa. KSC President Veena Rebimbus Pais along with Effy Fernandes led Fr. Anand Castelino, Fr. Olavo Caiado, and Pirginth Representative Mr. Agnello Fernandes to the stage.  Fr. Anand welcomed the gathering and the guests were honoured with flower bouquets. He also added a thank you note to both Fr. Olavo and Pirginth for their contribution in the grand celebration of the feast.

 

 

Fr. Olavo spoke on the occasion and exchanged his feelings of gratitude for the wonderful opportunity given to him to preach the 9 days novenas and celebrate the feast with the faithful Konkani Speaking Community in Qatar. He was touched by the love and affection shown by the Doha people and he too has learnt a lot from the people and praised and asked to continue to grow in faith. In the absence of Parish Priest, Fr. Anand then honoured Fr.Olavo with a shawl and a gift.  On behalf of the Pirginth Mr. Rosario Dias addressed the audience and thanked the opportunity given to celebrate the feast. Fr. Anand then honoured the Pirginth team with blessings and honoured Agnello with a shawl.

 

In the cultural program, a dance item was presented by Mangalorean young kids to the famous Konkani song “Yaya maya yo” which was choreographed by Laveena D’Souza. Nery Alphonso, a familiar personality of the Rosary Church in Qatar, an ardent usher serving the church for the past 27 years sang a beautiful goan song which received a loud applause from the audience. To the surprise of all, Fr. Olavo sang a song playing guitar by himself and which was well appreciated by the audience. This was followed by another dance item from Goan young girls to another famous Konkani number “Maria Pikashe” which was enjoyed by all.

 

Camilo Gauncar, KSC Committee member proposed the vote of thanks. He specially thanked all the food sponsors who cooked food daily and helped in the food sale during the novenas and Rosaline Gurjao for altar decoration. Delicious food was served to all present organized by Pirginth Rosary Boys of Goa in Qatar and was thoroughly relished by all.  Later Bingo was conducted by Ronnie Vaz and Vivian D’Souza. Pirginth Mr. Agnello Fernandes gave away the prizes.

 

The feast celebration which brought all Goans and Mangaloreans under one roof showed the unity in the Konkani Speaking community of Qatar and the love for Konkani which was the main aim.  Konkani Speaking Committee thanks all the sponsors, murdhoms, Pirginth, volunteers, ushers, Goan/Mangalorean/Youth & Children’s choir groups, participants and all who have contributed to the success of the feast.