Abu Dhabi: St Francis Xavier feast celebrated at St Paul’s Church, Mussafah

By Walter Montiero
Bellevision Media Network

Abu Dhabi, 09 Dec 2017: The Konkani Community of St Paul’s Church Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, celebrated St Francis Xavier feast on December 2 with a great fervor.

 

The celebration began at 5.30pm with reciting rosary near the grotto of Mother Mary by the congregation where Fr Valerian Fernandes, chancellor, AVOSA and Fr Dinesh Mendonca were present. The statue of St Francis Xavier was taken inside the church in a glorious procession by the congregation and soon the festive Mass started.

 

The main celebrant of the Mass was Fr Dinesh Mendonca and the co-celebrant was Fr Valerian Fernandes. Over 600 devotees attended the festive Mass.

 

Immediately after the Holy Mass, the cultural programme started at St Francis of Assisi Hall and John D’Lima, treasurer of Konkani community apex team welcomed the guests and introduced the comperes Jennifer Gomes and John D’Costa to the audience. The cultural programme began with a prayer dance performed by Sienna, Natasha and Serra.

 

The main coordinator of the Konkani Community, Robert Pinto welcomed priests Fr Valerian Fernandes, Fr Paul Koenig, Custos AVOSA, Fr Annie Xavier, parish priest, Fr Eugene Mattioli, assistant parish priest, Fr Jesumonica and guests of honor Gordon D’Souza and Robert D’Souza to dais for felicitation. Flower bouquets were exchanged as token of love and gratitude for their continued support to the Konkani community.

 

After the prayer, the traditional lighting of lamp ceremony was doneby all priests, guests of honor, and members of the Konkani community apex team. A huge special cake was cut on the occasion by all priests and guests of honor. The compere invited all people who celebrate their birthday during the month of December to the dais. While choir was playing the music ‘congratulations, cake and juice was distributed to all the guests and attendees.

 

 

Fr Annie Xavier, praised Konkani community for their active participation not only in community activities, but also in church activities. He praised Fr Ashok Gonsalves for his services to the Konkani community and mentioned that all miss him as he was transferred to his diocese in Mumbai at the end of his tenure as the assistant parish priest. Fr Valerian Fernandes spoke about St Francis Xavier and how powerful his faith was in God. Fr Paul also spoke about the occasion and praised the community and for their unity.

 

In order to start the cultural programme, the compere requested chief coordinator Robert Pinto to escort the priests and distinguished guests of honours to their respective seats.

 

To start 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’s activities was a performance of small kid’s 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 and request for more. Such a scintillating performance by small kids was enjoyed by all.

 

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

 

The witty comedy presented by Jossie and Simpson made the gathering laugh.

 

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

 

The vote of thanks was rendered by Robert Cardin who thanked each everyone for their co-operation to make the 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 future similar events.

 

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

 

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

 

The baila dance at the end made the people to come on to floor and dance. The programme ended with singing LaudateDomino by all. It was a memorable festive evening enjoyed and cherished by all.