Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 17: Konkani Catholic Association of St Francis De Sales parish, Nallasopara (East) celebrated the feast of Nativity of Mary here on Sunday September 15.

Fr Joe D’Souza, assistant director of Dhyan Ashram – Rajody concelebrated the festal Holy Mass along with Fr Prashant Saldanha from Barampur parish, St Francis De Sales parish priest and the association spiritual director Fr Baptist D’Souza, assistant parish priest Fr Johnson Gonsalves.

Fr Leo D’Souza blessed the new paddy-sheaves and thanked Mother Nature for abundance of crop. Fr Baptist D’Souza cut the cake and offered motion for festal celebration.

Fr Joe D’Souza distributed the blessed candles to the sponsors of festal celebrations.

Fr Prashant Saldanha in his homily said that the celebration of feast of Nativity of Mary is also an occasion to give thanks to Mother Nature for abundances of crop that sustains mankind. The family celebrations become meaningful by actively taking part by each member and strengthening the bond that is the greatest need of modern times, he added.

Konkani Catholic Association – Nallasopara president Harry B Coutinho led the procession of Infant Mary’s statue along with children showering flowers.

The association vice president Gracy Pinto, secretary Claude D’Silva, treasurer Alwyn F D’Souza Shirva, executive committee members Royington Kaka, Richard Pinto, John Alva, Patrick Fratas, Inez D’Souza, Hilda D’Souza, Mary Veigas, Dyna Moraes, Laveena D’Souza, Lilly Quadros among others were present on the occasion.