Daijiworld Media Network – Doha

Pics by Sunil Crasto

Doha, Sep 9: The Konkani Speaking Community (KSC) of Our Lady of Rosary Church, Qatar, celebrated the feast of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary with religious fervour and devotion at the Lady of Arabia Hall at the church premises on Friday, September 8.

The solemn festal Eucharist celebrated by visiting priest Fr Roshan Rosario Capuchin, was held at the Arabia Hall on Friday at 5 pm. Fr Anand Castelino, the spiritual director of the Konkani Speaking Community concelebrated the Mass.

Fr Roshan, who had been flown for the nativity celebrations and the 9-day novena preceding it, from Mangaluru, stressed the importance of family life and role of Blessed Virgin Mary in family life in his homily. Earlier, he prepared the devotees for the feast during the 9-day novena prayers. The theme of this year’s celebrations was ‘Blessed Virgin Mary – Joy of Christian Families’. During the nine days of novenas, Fr Roshan enlightened the devotees on various aspects connected to the theme.

New corn was blessed on the occasion, sponsors and murdom families were honoured with a blessed candle.

Fr Rally Gonzaga, the newly appointed parish priest of the church of Our Lady of Rosary felicitated the community on the occasion of the feast and thereafter honoured Fr Roshan with a shawl.

A large number of devotees took part in the solemn Eucharist. A melodious choir by St Cecelia’s choir group was the highlight of the festal celebrations.

A short stage programme was held after the mass. Vivian D'souza, the president of KSC conveyed the feast wishes. Fr Roshan thanked everybody for the opportunity given to be in Qatar and preach the word of God and enlighten all on the role of Blessed Virgin Mary. Fr Anand thanked one and all who supported and helped out in the arrangement of the feast. Sunil D'Silva proposed the vote of thanks. Thereafter, a game of housie was held under the initiative of the Eucharistic Ministers and was conducted by Peroz Pereira.

Reena Castelino, compere of the evening, conducted the proceedings with ease and élan.

The celebration ended with vegetarian ‘Novem Jevann’ (family agape) served too all the devotees.

Executive Committee of the Konkani Speaking Community led by president Vivian D’Souza took the lead in organizing the feast celebrations under the guidance of the spiritual director Fr Anand Castelino and the dedicated team of ushers of the community.