Alexis Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network
Doha, Sep 9: The Konkani-Speaking Community of the Catholic Church of Our Lady of Rosary gathered in big numbers, raising their voices in unison in praising the Almighty for the gift of Blessed Virgin Mary to the mankind on Saturday September 8, 2012 evening at 5.00 p.m. at the Church of our Lady of Rosary in Qatar.
The Konkani speaking community had prepared for the nativity through novena for the 9 days which were led by Fr J.B Crasta from St.Joseph’s workshop, Jeppu, Mangalore.
The solemn Eucharistic mass was celebrated by Fr J.B Crasta while Fr Anand Castelino, the spiritual director of the Doha Konkani Speaking Community concelebrated the Eucharist. The theme of the day was ‘Kuttma jivit Dev bhirantechem korunyam’ in his homily Fr J.B Crasta stressed the need of accepting the Blessed Virgin Mary as mother, guide and caretaker of the Christian families, he further said that this feast of nativity is the feast of family that connects us well with our roots and traditions.
The Konkani Committee members of the Konkani Speaking Community were the patrons of the nativity celebrations. The President Veena Rebimbus Pais, Secretary Riana Pinto, Treasurer Gill Cardoza, Effy Fernandes, Prakash Noronha, Alexis Castelino, John D’Sa, Alvo H Dias, Jao Camilo Gaunkar and Vivian D’Souza have played an important role not only in making day’s celebrations memorable one but have also been instrumental in assisting the spiritual director in the smooth conducting of the 9-day novena.
A melodious Mangalorean choir was the highlight of the evening celebrations which helped the devotees to participate in the Eucharistic celebrations in a more meaningful way. Even during the nine-day novena, Goan choir, Children’s choir and the Mangalorean choir took turns in leading the choir each day.
Konkani speaking devotees hailing from Goa, Mangalore and even Mumbai thronged in large numbers and took part in the celebrations with devotion and religious fervour. After the mass the devotees were treated with a piece of cake. Soon after the Liturgy, a short cultural show followed. President Veena Rebimbus Pais welcomed the gathering, programme was compared by Sandeep Noronha. On the occasion of the nativity feast a bible quiz was organized for the Konkani speaking community, prizes were distributed to the winners. Alexis Castelino proposed the vote of thanks. The evening programme ended with all parishioners taking part in a delicious fellowship meal of traditional vegetables.