Media Release
UAE, Sep 10: The Konkani Community of St Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, Ras Al Khaimah, celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 7 with great religious fervor. The RAK Konkani Community consists of many Mangalorean and Goan families.
The devotees, along with Fr Stephen Lewis and Fr Jason Pais, sang ‘Sokkad Sangaatha Melyaan’ to begin the blessing of the ‘Khansi’ (New Corn) and flower-strewing ceremony. After a Gospel reading and message, both children and adults strewed flowers to honour Mother Mary, singing ‘Moriek Hogollsiam’.
The feast high-Mass was celebrated in the mini-hall in the church premises. Fr Jason Pais, the main celebrant, gave a heart-warming homily. The Mass was con-celebrated by Fr Stephen Lewis. The RAK Konkani choir sang beautiful hymns and the devotees joined the choir in singing. The Mass was well-attended by over 350 devotees from all
over the UAE.
Towards the end of the Mass, the parish priest, Fr Thomas Ampattukuzhy released the DVD, ‘Paduacho St Anton’, a music DVD by master composer and lyricist Edwin D’Costa.
After the Mass, the ‘khansi’ (corn) was blessed by the two Mass celebrants, which was mixed with ‘vorn’ (payasam) and served as part of the ‘Novem Jevaan’ (festive harvest lunch). The compere for the day was Sushma Olivera. The welcome speech was given by Wilma Moras.
As parish priest, Fr Thomas Ampattukuzhy is being transferred to Ruwais parish next month, he was appreciated and felicitated by the RAK Konkani Community for his service to the parish for the past 9 years. A few words of appreciation were delivered by Carol Mathias. The felicitation of a memento and gifts was done by Fr Stephen Lewis and Fr Jason Pais, on behalf of the RAK Konkani Community.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Viola Fernandes. This was followed by a song by Noel Castelino and a game of housie.
The deliciously prepared ‘Novem Jevaan’ by Venus Restaurant, Ras Al Khaimah was served in traditional Mangalorean style in the Church canteen. The Community sang ‘Laudate’ after lunch. The RAK Konkani Community enjoyed sharing the food, and mainly, their participation with all the guests from the UAE, as one family.