Goan Association of Florida celebrates Feast of St Francis Xavier

By Mark D’Sa
Bellevision Media Network

Florida, 07 Dec 2012: The Goan Association of South Florida celebrated the annual Feast of St Francis Xavier, their patron saint on December 1, 2012 at the beautiful Church by the sea. They started the celebration with mass offered by Fr. John D’Mello along with 130 people. The choir sang melodious hymns which included a number of Konkani hymns too.

 

 

 After the mass, the members gathered together in the parish hall for an evening of cultural activities, dinner and dance. The President of the association Mr. Mark D’Sa(s/o Mr William D’Sa) who hails from Moodubelle welcomed the members and introduced the new members to the association. Mark has been very active in the association for the past 17 years. In his speech he stressed the need to pass on our culture to our kids.

 

 

Following the President’s speech, there was a short documentary highlighting the life of St Francis Xavier.The kids then played “Silent Night” on their instruments-Sonia D’Sa, daughter of  Mark D’Sa played the guitar, Kelly Sequeira on her flute and Brianna D’Saa on the piano . It was followed by Kunnbidance’ by the ladies of the association. They danced to the song ”Mandogoenchoboro” which brought thunderous applause .The dance was choreographed by ReemaD’Sa, wife of Mark D’Sa and daughter of Deog Aranha who also hails from Belle.They did an amazing job.

 

 

The DJ, Richard D’Souza did an awesome job keeping the crowd on the dance floor. From the oldies to Konkani ‘mando’ to the latest numbers, the members danced the night away. After a sumptuous dinner which included the much awaited ‘sorpotel’, the members were back for another round of dance.

 

 

Naughty or nice? The kids were definitely very good this year and they were rewarded with a visit from Santa to kick off the Christmas season. Santa handed out gifts and the kids promised to be good for the next year too.
The evening ended with a vote of thanks from the president who thanked his committee for their tireless efforts which resulted in an unforgettable evening. The pictures of the event can be viewed at https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/myphotos. The video of the ‘kunnbi dance’ :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFVIiN0C9tM&list=HL1354814122&feature=mh_lolz