Alex Crasta

Pics: Ebin Mathew/Noel Castelino

Sep 18: The Konkani community of St Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, Ras Al Khaimah, celebrated the Feast of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary on Friday September 12 in the new Church at Al Jazeera with great religious fervour.

Over 200 faithful including 30 children gathered. The children along with the elders offered flowers to our beloved mother by singing the hymn ‘moreak hogolsiam’ reverberating the premises of the new Church. The devotees along with priest marched in procession to tune of 'Sokkad Sangaatha Melyaam……'

The festal high mass was celebrated by Fr Maxim Peter Pinto. The choir group lead by Agnes Roche and Deepak Almeida along with Carol Mathias at the key-board sang some beautiful hymns to add splendour to the mass. Fr Maxim in his homily explained the importance of family in our day-to-day life by linking it to the family of Mother Mary and her parents Joachim and Ann.

A lively entertainment programme followed immediately after the mass which was compered by the parish youth led by Ryan Mathias, Freeda Lobo and Errol Lobo. Fr Maxim welcomed the guests and Anna Lobo proposed the vote of thanks.

The entertainment programme included competitions and spot prizes which created a family atmosphere where all the oldest and the youngest participated and enjoyed.

Fr Thomas Ampattukuzy, Parish Priest, Fr Maxim and all the guests enjoyed the sumptuous vegetarian meal with traditional curries, pathrode, alu-dento and so on served on banana leaves. This tradition was kept by Venus Restaurant as in previous years generously sponsored food for all.

Laudaathe was sung after the final serving keeping the traditions alive. The celebrations ended with a popular housie game conducted by Ramona Fernandes.