by 'Ajay D'Souza, Sunnyvale, California' Daijiworld News Network - California
California, Sep 13: The Indian Catholic community of Northern California (IN FOCUS) celebrated 'Monti Saibinichem Fest' in quintessential tradition on September 10 at Baylands Park overlooking the beautiful San Francisco Bay in Sunnyvale, California.
The Indian Catholic community consists of Catholis residing in Northen California, a majority of whom hail from Goa and Mangalore. They clebrate important festivals with together in a spirit of love and unity.
This year's nativity celebrations were marked by a prayer service which included singing of traditional hymns like 'Sokodd Sangata Meluiam' to a crescendo of 'Moriek Hogollsiyam'. Adults and children walked in procession to celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Mother Mary. Children walked with flowers in their hands which they showered. The elders offered grain and fruit to express gratitude for the harvest.
The prayer service was followed by a festive 'Novem Jevann' in the park where each family contributed a traditional festive dish. This was followed by games in the park for the young and the old alike. To render authenticity to the solemn event, the Bambino (statue) was specially brought from India. It was a gift the community received through Menezes couple of Udupi, India.
The Indian Catholic Community of Northern California has been actively meeting under the aegis of 'Infocus'. 'Infocus' is a vibrant community group started by Fr George Aranha in 2001 to bring together the Indian Catholic community in Northern California.
Fr George Aranha serves as a parish priest for the San Jose diocese in California. The Indian Catholic community meets regularly every month for a Catholic mass followed by a pot luck dinner and recreation activities. Fr Aranha is the spiritual guide for the 'Infocus' group.
Cresentia Lobo who is the wife of Mr. Allwyn Lobo originally from Mumbai is the resource person for 'Infocus' group.
The 'Infocus' group serves a wide geographic region from the Santa Cruz/ San Francisco coast in the west to Sacramento in the east. Many of its members come from the High-tech Silicon Valley region of California.
Indian Catholics living in the Northern California area are welcome to join the 'Infocus' group. Those interested in being part of the 'Infocus' group community activities can contact Cresentia Lobo at infocusgroup@yahoo.com or ph# (408) 374-3692
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