Media Release

London, Sep 9: Braving the threatening weather report and not letting their spirits down, Mangaloreans gathered in greater numbers than in previous years on September 8 to celebrate Nativity Feast. It was the seventeenth year running where Richard and Christine Lobo together with their family hosted and sponsored this celebration.

Melwyn Vaz called upon Dr Cheryl to welcome the gathering. In her welcome note, Dr Cheryl thanked her parents, Richard and Christine Lobo, UK Konkans for the choir, Melvin and Ronald and every one who worked so hard for this grand celebration.

Sakkad Sangatha Melya, Moriyek Hogolsuyam hymn was playing as Mother Mary's statue was brought to the fore in a procession and honoured by children, not deterred by the pouring rain, by offering flowers. Children of various ages joined in.

Fr Benzalao Teixeira celebrated the Holy Eucharist. It was a variant celebration, as Fr Benzalao who travelled from Goa, celebrated mass in a mixture of both, Konkani and English. In his homily he detailed the role played by Mother Mary in Jesus' life, which was also exemplified by the mother found under the ruin of the earthquake in the United States a few years ago.

New harvest was blessed by Fr Benzalao which was later served to the gathered congregation mixed with milk.

Vegetarian lunch including idli, vada, puri, gobi manchurian, paneer, pulao and a variety of many other dishes was served.

In keeping with tradition, lunch was followed by vorn, specially prepared by Christine Lobo for this occasion. There was ice cream, xira and gulab jamoon too for those with a sweet tooth.

Celebrations too were held for Mr and Mrs Smith, one of Richard and Christine Lobo's close friends of many a years, who were celebrating their Fortieth Wedding Anniversary today.

Richard and Christine have three grandchildren, whose birthdays too were celebrated with a revolving cake specially designed by Perfect 4 Occasions.

There was also celebration for Richard and Christine's Godchild Beveline, who was celebrating her Eighteenth Birthday.

UK Konkans provided choir for the celebration mass under the able leadership of the talented Eric D'Souza who was well supported by Elton and Elroy on instruments, with Shanti in the lead with Beena, Tom, Harry, Stella and Alice rendering their vocals.

The event was compered by Melwyn Vaz.