By Fr Victor Rodrigues SVD

Rome, Jan 12: Konkani Kutam, Rome came together to celebrate Christmas and New Year with great joy and enthusiasm at Collegio del VerboDivino, in Rome on Sunday, January 10.

Around twenty-five priests, several nuns from the various congregations and lay people were united under the banner of Konkani Kutam.

The event began with the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr Vincent Sequeira from Mangaluru diocese. He preached an inspiring homily based on the readings of the feast of Baptism of the Lord and highlighted the importance of the feast of the Baptism of Jesus to live a qualitative Christian life. The melodious choir led by Brother Shaun Rodrigues sang traditional Konkani Carols and added charm to the liturgical celebration.

After the Eucharistic celebration, a one hour lively cultural entertainment programme was organized by the members of Konkani Kutam. Bro Ivan Martis compered the programme and kept the gathering in high spirits. In the absence of Fr Melwin Pinto SJ, the Gurkar,Fr Victor Rodrigues SVD thanked everyone for their generous cooperation towards organizing the Christmas celebration. The get-together was concluded with the traditional hymn, 'LaudateDominum.' The delicious Mangalurean dishes prepared by the members of Konkani Kutam were enjoyed by more than 90 people, who gathered for the occasion.