Media Release
Doha, Dec 16: Konkani Speaking Community (KSC) celebrated Goencho Saib St Xavier feast at Our Lady of Rosary parish, here on Friday evening, December 5, in traditional Goan style.
The festal celebrations were preceded by retreat on November 25 and 9-day novenas beginning from November 26. Guest priest Fr Gabriel Pascoal preacher OFM Cap-India took the congregation on a spiritual journey during these 9-day novenas with his powerful and touching reflections on Word of God and with St Xavier life story in daily novena theme.
A melodious Mangalurean Konkani choir by St Cecilia’s choir group and Good Shepherd choir group were highlights of the nine days Novenas celebration.
Fr Gabriel Fernandes OFM cap India and Fr Rosario Colaco OFM Cap Qatar, spiritual director of KSC-Doha concelebrated festal Eucharistic celebration and delivered festal message to the congregation.
After the Mass, a cultural programme began at Our Lady of Arabia Hall. Speaking on the occasion, KSC president Aloysius D’Souza welcomed the gathering. Visiting priest Fr Gabriel Pascoal was chief guest of the evening. Fr Rosario and the chief guest were escorted to the stage by KSC president. Fr Gabriel Pascoal was felicitated with a shawl for his 9-day Novena and spiritual service.
Parish priest Fr Paulraj Devaraj OFM cap had graced the occasions as guest of honour. Parish priests addressed the devotees and gave away feast wishes.
The feast novena sponsors were honoured with blessed candles by the chief guest.
The cultural programme began with masala dance numbers from Libby Fernandes, Shimona Godinho, Rita D’Souza, Esha Fernandes, Carol Gonsalves, Glenn Patrao, Velencio Gomes, Martin Mascarenhas, Anil Netto and Lawrence Noronha entertained the audience fully.
Like a cherry on the cake, the sizzling dance by ‘Doha Dance Squad’ entertains the audience, the dance was made by Sean Colin Fernandes, Shown Carron Fernandes, Joylyn Jasmin Lobo, Raison Premus Ferrao, Jostna Rishitha D’Souza, Ancita D’Souza, Wilma Ancilla D’Souza, Primal Pinto, Ignatius Preetesh Pinto and Glen Rohan D'Sa. The dance was choreographed by Sean Colin Fernandes.
The well-acted mime from Prenia Adel Pinto, Nicole Angel D’Souza, Sancia Pais, Francia Menezes, Melisha Kate Fernandes and Alika Rodrigues made the audience cheer up throughout the performance.
The live band performed by Susegad Souq Team made the audience dance on the floor. The live band Troup included Raul Miranda, Mariam Sequeira & Noah Sequeira in drums, Neville Sequeria, Leah Miranda & Leah Fernandes in guitar, Hannah Dias in bass guitar, Melvic Mascarenhas and Steve Fernandes in keyboard and Vicente Da Costa, Martin Mascarenhas in Jambo, Atilia Da Costa, Blossom Fernandes and Ashorah Vaz in vocal singer. Maestro Mario Dscosta directed full live band show with dancing numbers.
The new Konkani committee for 2025-28 is installed during the feast occasion and spiritual director Fr Rosario recited oath taking ceremony of newly elected committee members. The new committee members of Konkani speaking community rosary church are as follows:
President of KSC - Edna Veigas
Vice president: Kirthan Rodrigues
General secretary: Shown Fernandes
Joint secretary: Neha Alves
Treasurer: Tanya Pereira
Cultural coordinator: Raison Ferrao & Sebastio Soares
Event coordinator: Effey Noronha
Liturgy coordinator: Della Rego
Media representative: Avinash D’Souza
Facility & volunteer coordinator: Savio Simoes and Savious Crasta
Fr Steephen Kachapilly, OFM cap grace the occasion and conducted meal prayer. The evening program ended with sumptuous dinner.
Perina Pereira compered the full cultural event with her versatile language command.