News: Maria Savitha Menezes
Abu Dhabi, Sep 18: Barkurians living in UAE celebrated the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 14 at the residence of Walter Thelma and Shannon D Almeida at Abu Dhabi with gaiety and great devotion. Over 65 members from Barkur, from all around UAE took part in the celebration with lot of zeal and enthusiasm.
Thelma D Almeida, welcomed the gathering at the beginning. Terrance Lewis proposed the vote of thanks.
The traditional celebration commenced with prayer lead by convener Herbert Menezes with hymns and Gospel reading. Remembered H E Bishop Henry D’Souza for initiating this group 6 years ago and also prayed for blessings on Walter, Thelma, Shannon D Almeida and Terrance Lewis, Sharmila, Styrish and Strelisha for taking the leadership in organizing the event. The statue of Infant Mary was showered with flowers amidst the singing of the traditional Konkani hymn ‘Sakkad Sangata Melyam’ and ‘Moriyyek Hogolsiyan’.
The programme was well compeered by Sharmila Lewis, Abu Dhabi.
Rib tickling skits by Sanita Crasta, Allen Crasta, Herbert Menezes, Maria Menezes, Anish Dias and Sunny Lewis.Various games for different age groups by Veera Crow kept the crowd cheering and ecstatic and dance performances by Strelisha, Keith, Adrian and group kept the crowd asking for more.
As per ritual, ‘Novem’ followed by a sumptuous traditional vegetarian meal topped up with ‘vorn’ was served to all.