Bahrain, 24 Sep 2013: It is one feast that is very greatly revered and celebrated in all the churches around the world. Birthday of Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our Mother. Any birthday we celebrate gives us the opportunity of celebrating the gift of life. In every family the birthday of a mother has a special time of joy as she is the one who cares for all and this is one opportunity to respond fondly to that love.
The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated as early as sixth century, Christian who composed many of the hymns used in the liturgies, composed a hymn for the feast. The feast spread to Rome in the seventh century, Today it is celebrated throughout the world by christians.
Bellevision Bahrain members came to the fore as Nativity or Birth of the Mary the mother of Jesus Christ is celebrated in the state with great fervour.
Master of Ceremony Ivan Sequeira introduced Bellevision President Mr.Baptist Sequeira who welcomed the gathering with his sweet and short welcome message and welcomed all members & guests to the celebration. In his welcome note President reiterated the importance of Mother Mary in a Christian’s life and he thanked every one who worked so hard for the grand celebration.
Prayer to worship Mother Mary was conducted by Adline. Children and adults participated in offering the flowers to infant Mother Mary, Konkani choir led by Joel D’sa and group rendered beautiful Konkani hymns including ‘Sakkad Sanganthan Melyaun’ and Maryek Hogolsiya that reminded all present there of their beloved hometown back in Mangalore.
Fr Freddy D’Souza, Assistant Priest of Sacred Heart church, Bahrain. conveyed the message of the feast and blessed the gathering, followed by Bellevision theme song composed only for Nativity feast by Naveen Mendonca BAPCO & Team. The afternoon continued with the traditional Novenm ceremony where all who gathered received the blessed harvest with milk and sugarcane distributed to the children.
Once again Bellevision children Shanelle Mendonca, Ashel Castelino and Buela Sequeira exhibited their dancing skills which was much appreciated by audience. The highlight of the day was hilarious skit from talented artists Joel, Arun & Alfrieda. Mr. Daniel Pinto played wonderful DJ for the day.
Fr Freddy D’Souza, blessed the traditional delicious vegetarian food prepared by each family. Every one enjoyed the delicious meal in Mangalorean style Banana leaves and altogether a typical Mangalorean atmosphere could be felt. The food and catering service was wonderfully executed by team lead by Mr. Raymond Kishore, with male volunteers wearing white dhothi and ladies volunteers wearing sarees. It was really wonderful experience of living in Mangalorean culture together in a far island called Bahrain.
The programme came to an end by thanking note from Arun Fernandis. In his thanking note thanked all Sponsors, Volunteers and whoever gathered for celebration. Excellent photography by Ronald Fernandis which you can see on these pictures. Overall the Bellevision Nativity Feast celebration was an outstanding success felt by all.
It was indeed a great instance of beautiful celebration for Mangaloreans and all Catholics present there evoking nostalgic memories of age-old traditional fellowship evident at the time of this festive season in our native homeland.