By Melwyn Machado
Photographs by Vigil Fernandes

Houston, Sep 11: TIPCA (Texas India Pakistan Catholic Association) celebrated the Nativity Feast of our Mother Mary on Sunday, 9th September 2012 with traditional fervor and devotion at the church of St. Thomas Aquinas, Sugarland, Texas. TIPCA is an association of Catholics who immigrated from India, Pakistan and Africa and based in Houston, Texas.

The celebration began with Mass, celebrated by Rev Fr Justin Sequeira, visiting priest from Goa. After the Mass the statue of Our Lady and the new crop (Novem), was blessed. The community then proceeded in procession to the Church's Aldridge Hall singing "'Sakkad sangatha maeleyan, sakkad lagin sariyan.....” and "Moriak Hogolsiyam" and showering of flowers at the Statue of Mother Mary.

'Novem mixed with milk' was distributed to all guests followed by the delicious homemade food prepared by the Mangalorean Community of Houston.  Vorn was served at the last to the delight of all those gathered there.