by John Mascarenus

London, Sep 15 : In an unprecedented show of devotion to Mother Mary, a large number of devotees, adults, children, the able-bodied, disabled, members, friends and well wishers gathered at the All Saints Church Hall in Queensbury with only one motive: to celebrate the feast of the birth of Mother Mary. The hall was filled to full capacity, the weather was beautiful, dry and cool. The celebrations started at around 1 pm with a small procession starting from the foyer leading to the hall decorated with huge SKA LONDON banner hanging behind the altar clearly depicting the nestling of the infant, Mary. The procession was led by Raymond Menezes carrying the statue of Blessed Mary, and Ron Rodrigues carrying the blessed new corn flown from Mangalore through the courtesy of Stany, to the tune of the favourite hymn ‘Sakkad sangathn melean’ meaning ‘Let’s get together’.

A few more hymns sung by the SKA Choir organised by Olivia, set the hall on ‘fire’ with enthusiasm. The Holy Mass that followed and officiated by Father Patrick D’Souza of Merton Church, with Altar Servers fully attired in the church vesture, set the ball rolling with more hymns. The entire service, the Mass and hymns and sermon was in Konkani.

After Mass there was the traditional, Mangalorean cuisine vegetarian lunch:

Okra Bitter gourd, tendli, chickpea, Sanna, poolov prepared from kuvalo, gosalay (ridge gourd), cucumber, long beans, rice, soft drinks, bottled water. The dessert consisted of homemade vorn and ice cream. There was offer for second and more helpings. Sugar was offered to everyone instead of ’pan-supari’.

Live performances by young and older artists kept the audience spell bound with their singing and dancing. The raffle draw remained the last part of the celebrations. The entire celebrations were ably conducted (MCed) by Jason. Ladies were presented with the ’favours’ (a little keepsake gift) in remembrance of the feast.

With the raffle draw and dancing ended the Nativity 2016 celebrations.