Media Release
Doha, Dec 12: The feast of St Francis Xavier, popularly known as Goencho Saib, was celebrated with great fervor and devotion by the Konkani-speaking community on December 6. The event, organized under the banner of Konkani Speaking Community (KSC) at Our Lady of Rosary Church, was held under the guidance of Fr Rosario Colaco OFM Cap, spiritual director of the Konkani community.
The festal Mass was held on Friday, December 6, at 4.30 pm, with thousands of devotees gathering at the main church. The Holy Mass in Konkani was concelebrated by visiting priest Fr Lester Cardoso OFM Cap from Goa, India.
Preparations included a one-day retreat and holy adoration on November 19, followed by a nine-day novena from November 27. Fr Lester Cardoso delivered sermons on various themes that were well appreciated by the community. On December 5, the novena concluded with Holy Mass, a procession of St Francis Xavier's statue around the church compound, and a final novena prayer. The St Cecilia’s Choir Group and Good Shepherd Choir Group added a melodious touch to the celebrations.
Following the festal Mass, a short cultural program was held at the Lady of Arabia Hall. Master of ceremonies John D’Sa expertly led the program. KSC president Aloysius D’Souza escorted Fr Rosario and Fr Lester to the stage. Sponsors of the novena and feast celebrations were honored with blessed candles. Aloysius D’Souza delivered a keynote address, welcoming the gathering and unveiling upcoming events under the KSC banner.
Parish priest Fr Paulraj Devaraj OFM Cap extended his festal greetings to the Konkani community and thanked Fr Rosario and Fr Lester for their efforts in organizing the grand celebration. He invoked the blessings of St Francis Xavier on all devotees.
Fr Rosario, Fr Paulraj, and Aloysius D’Souza felicitated visiting priest Fr Lester with a memento and shawl in appreciation of his contribution during the nine-day novena. Fr Lester expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the novena and celebrate the feast, acknowledging the love and devotion of the Konkani-speaking community in Doha.
The cultural program featured a Bollywood dance choreographed by Derrick Crasta and performed by Nicole Crasta, Leona Saldanha, Dionna Britto, Princia Annie Pinto, Riona Jane Vas, and Sanvia D’Souza. Rosefern Fernandes and comedian Piety entertained the audience with a rib-tickling skit.
A housie game conducted by Gisselle D’Costa and Verina Adeline Mascarenhas added to the fun, with winners receiving attractive prizes. The evening concluded with a live medley by the Doha-based SFX Youth Band, led by vocalists Viola and Vincent, with Wilroy Mendes on bass guitar, Leah Fernandes on acoustic guitar, and Figo Rodrigues on keyboard.
KSC committee member Antonio Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the priests, sponsors, altar servers, choir members, volunteers, ushers, and food sponsors who contributed to the success of the celebration.
The evening ended with a sumptuous dinner for all attendees, marking the joyous occasion.