Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 16: Konkani Community of St Tresa's Church of suburban Bandra (West) celebrated the feast of Nativity of Mary at St Theresa School auditorium, here on Saturday September 14 evening.

The little children arrived in a procession along with the statue of Infant Mary at the school auditorium, where they showered flowers in her honor. St Theresa parish priest Fr Bernard Rodrigues blessed the new paddy-sheaves, candles, flowers and vegetables.

Atmadarshan director Fr Henry D’Souza celebrated the festal Holy Mass in Konkani along with Andheri (East) – Sacred Heart parish. Fr Henry delivered the homily. Sr Felcy Lobo and Joy Saldanha read the scriptural reading.  William D’Souza Vakola read the prayers of faithful. The choir was led by Nefi (Rod) Rodrigues on the occasion.

St Michael’s Pre-University College Kurla (West) principal Jean Moses Gomes was the chief guest inaugurated the simple stage programme after the festal Holy Mass. Mandd Sobhann Mangalore founder chairman Rony Mendonca Bandra, Secular Citizen Weekly publishers Lawrence Coelho and Suzanne L Coelho, Model Co-operative Bank Limited's director Vincent Mathias, renowned Konkani singers Henry D’Souza and Nefi (Rod) Rodrigues and other clergies were guests of honor present on the occasion.

Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Henry LKobo, legal committee convener advocate Pius Vaz and other dignitaries were also present.

The programme organizer Julie D’Silva honored the sponsors and donors by presenting them blessed candles, a sign of gratitude.

The key organizer Joy Saldanha welcomed the gathering. Sachin D’Souza compered the programme.

The hundreds of faithful participated in the traditional vegetarian meals that were prepared out of freshly sourced vegetables. Renowned Konkani musician Kenny Zuzart and group from Mangalore staged Konkani musical concert as part of entertainment programme on the occasion.