by UK Konkans
Sunderland, UK, 04 September 2006:
Mangalorean families residing s in Sunderland, United Kingdom joined together on 2nd September to celebrate the
Feast of Nativity at St. Joseph's Church Parish Hall, Sunderland.
UK Konkans office bearers who had gathered for their committee meeting at their president Stanislaus Mendonca's residence were also invite to join the Mangalorean community in Sunderland in their celebration.
The celebration began with Stany Mendonca, the main organisor for the celebration welcoming the guests. All those present at the celebration were requested to give a brief introduction to themselves. Melwyn Vaz explained the significance of the Feast of Nativity to the gathered children, in particular to those Catholics from Mangalore, detailing the birth of Mother Mary and the offering of the first of the harvest as a symbol of thanks giving.
Children and adults offered flowers in honour and worship of Mother Mary.
Molly Rego offered prayers and asked for showers of blessing through Mother Mary.
Rev. Fr. Rhand who joined the congregation blessed the new harvest and the food that was prepared.
Warm milk mixed with new harvest corn was served to every one present at the celebration.
In keeping with tradition, Vegetarian food was served to feast up on. There were a variety of vegetables including alsande, moog, gosalen, soney and thovshachi karam. To top the excellent home made cuisine, there was vorn, which was one of the best items served.
Every one enjoyed the delicious food and thanked the organisors for their efforts to bring togther Mangalorean Catholics of Sunderland to celebrate the Feast of Nativity which was a treat on its own.
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