By Lloyd D'Sa

London, Sep 8 : Though rain was forecast, the Lobo Family believed and dared celebrate this function in the open garden rather than in the shelter of a hall. Mother Mary loves flowers and the garden was in full bloom. Over 450 guests joined in the celebration.

Dr Cheryl Lobo in her inaugural speech stressed that The Lobo Family believes in the strength of the community but most importantly the strength of the new generation. And this feast that is dedicated to children is the perfect platform for this cause. This year the burden of conducting this great event was shared between teenager Kevin who she described as ‘super-fun and super-bright and one to watch out for’ and Violet a fluent Konkani speaker who was shared with us the heritage of this feast.

Keith Lobo thanked the devotees, especially those who had attended every even for the past 19 years. He thanked the support of Konkani Kutam-London, UK Konkans, Prayer Group certain individuals and his Mum and Dad to make this event a great success. He thanked Fr. Agnelo a great orator who also conducted last year’s Konkani Mass which was appreciated by all.

18 year old MC Kevin Augustine with the help of Violet D’Souza took over the mic. He showed superb talent by thanking the hosts, Cheryl and Keith and proceeded to conduct the function on the day. Over 60 children from 3 months to 18 years old, carrying baskets full of flowers joined the procession with Mrs Christine Lobo holding Mother Mary’s statue and Mr Richard Lobo holding the new harvest of rice and paddy.

Fr Agnelo received the statue, blessed all the children and started the function with a big bang.

To the choir sang Sakkad Sangatha Melia, children offered flowers.

It was fantastic to watch these tiny tots surrounding statute of Mother Mary and offering flowers to her in tune to the song. The children were given sweets and party bags.

The Mass was wonderful.Fr Agnelo stressed the importance of the feast and it’s history. He said he was moved by the generosity of the Lobo family who tirelessly have organised this feast for the past 19 years with such grandeur. He wished them good health and luck.

Following Mass, hot buffet was served that was freshly prepared on site. Manglorean Sanna Wada Sambar, hot large parotas and various new harvest spicy vegetarian dishes finally completed with the hostesses home made Vorn. There was also sheera and ice-cream for the children.

Then came the occasion to celebrate the brightest children of this year’s GCSE and A-levels. Christine and Richard firmly believe in the need for a good education to empower young children. The children awarded in the GCSR=E group included Cimona and Elwyn, and in the A-level group Glenston, Lezia and Kevin.

All children gathered to celebrate Mother Mary’s birthday and this was done by a newborn cutting the cake. This was then wolfed down by all the children.

This was followed by games for all ages and lots of prizes. Bingo for the adults was also competitive with lots of jokes and laughter.

As suggested by Cheryl in her inaugural speech, the MC declared that the 3 associations (Konkani Kutam, Prayer Group and Uk Konkans) put forward a presenter each for next year’s 20 year gathering. These presenters will then be judged by secret public vote and the winner awarded ‘The Revolving Trophy’.

In keeping with tradition, after Laudate, the function was closed

Next year’s 20 year celebration has been set for the 11th September 2016 and expected to be grander than other celebrations.