Report: Martha D'Souza
Pictures: Praveen Rodrigues
Sharjah, Dec 8: Feast of St Francis Xavier, known to Goans as Goencho Saib, Patron Saint of Goa, was celebrated in traditional Goan style, on December 3 at St Michael's Catholic Church here, organized by the city's St Michael's Goan community.
Nine days of mass and novenas in Konkani, were held at the church and the feast was celebrated on December 3. The celebration began with a brass band which played in the church compound, followed by a solemn High Mass in Konkani in the church. The main celebrant was Fr Marceline Rodrigues, who had come to the city from Goa to deliver the homilies during the Novenas and on the feast day. The feast was truly spiritually enlightening. The spiritual director Fr Maxim Pinto thanked all the people who had gathered to celebrate the Mass as well his fellow priests for sharing the altar. The Goan choir added to the traditional flavor.
A cultural programme was held immediately after the mass in the main hall of the church which was packed to capacity this year. It also denoted the grand success of the feast, through a musical show, with songs from yesteryears sung by the most talented singers, instrumental performance by children, musical skit and musical melody by the Goan youth. The cultural event was an all-time hit and kept the guests were entertained throughout.
Delicious traditional Goan food was prepared by the Goan community members of the parish and served to all the people. Everyone enjoyed a sumptuous festive meal. Live band with scintillating music entertained the packed crowd during their lunch in the courtyard of the church premises. A housie round was held and games stalls were put up for children.
The Feast of St Francis Xavier was a huge success as usual, this year as well.
The main theme of this year’s feast was 'St Francis Xavier, let us be the fountains of God’s Mercy'.