Clarence Pinto
Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat
Pics : Arun Jivraj Lobo
Muscat, Sep 11: The Feast of Nativity celebrated at Sts Peter and Paul Church Ruwi on Sunday, September 8 at 8 pm.
A nine days Novena prayer dedicated to infant mother was conducted by the guest priest Fr Franklin D'Souza, well-known and well-appreciated charismatic Catholic preacher in the church of Karnataka and National Youth Director – New Delhi.
The Novena prayers, started from August 30 and ended on September 7, were attended by large number of Konkani Community of the Parish. The children honored mother Mary with flowers. Treats were distributed to children after the mass all nine days.
On September 8, the Solemn Eucharistic celebration started at 8 pm and was presided over by Fr Franklin D Souza and Fr Wilson Rumao – Spiritual Director of the Konkani community of Muscat.
Prior to the Holy Mass, the showering of the flowers ceremony held in the basketball court stage. The procession to the stage was led by Lancy Lobo current president of MCCP along with Ophelia and Craig Lazarus carrying the corn tray and Simon and Shanti D Souza with Holy Prayer and Pictures. As the choir sang the Hymn 'Sakkad sangathan melyam', children walked in procession carrying flowers and showered flowers to the hymn of "Moriyek Hogolsiam. The Paddy grains on stalks were flown in especially for the occasion from Mangalore.
The Mass commenced with a welcome note by Lancy Lobo, current President of MCCP. The readings were read by Clifford Castelino, Juliet D Souza, Winston Peres, Alisha Fernandes, Jean Deena Lobo and Louis Pereira. Father Franklin in his homily emphasized on the true spirit of family life and respect to be given to parents during their old age.
The choir under the leadership of the expert choir master Apolinaris D'Souza, enchanted everyone present with their melodious singing and music.
After the Eucharistic celebration, the organizing committee distributed the blessed corn, holy pictures to all gathered and a bag of goodies and sugarcane to the children. The committee made arrangements to serve the faithful traditional ladoos. Truly this evening was another memorable for all present there.