Pics and Report by Sujay Bendore and Naveen Frank
Sharjah, Sep 11: The feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated with great pomp at St. Michael’s Parish, Sharjah on the evening of Thursday, 10th September 2009.
Well over 300 children from as little as a few months old in their mother’s arms, and with their cherubic faces, flocked to the church to honor Mother Mary. It was a feast to one’s eye to see the traditional showering of flower petals to mother Mary with the singing of “Sakkad Sangatam Meliam”.
The procession to the church hall was followed by a solemn Eucharistic celebration. The main celebrant Fr Basil Vas was joined by the concelebrants Fr Ani Xavier, Fr Dinesh, Fr Michael, Fr Sergio and Fr Edmond Baretto.
In his interesting homily, Fr Vas aptly drove home a beautiful message to the congregation by using a good example of an anecdote of a hyper market that so beautifully pictured the diminishing of human values.
The sanctity of the Mass was further elevated by a superb singing and music by the Mangalorean-Goan choir directed by Choir Master Lancy Carlo.
In a surprise move, the parish priest announced to the congregation of the new appointment of Fr Dinesh Mendonca as the new parish priest of the Sacred Heart Church in Bahrain. He would be taking over the reins on 25th September 2009.
A well organized cultural programme preceded the Holy Mass. The Goan brass band “TOP BRASS” performed their best by playing traditional Konkani and classique English tunes.
The Master of Ceremonies Valerian Alva welcomed the gathering. A beautiful sound and light dance dedicated to Mother Mary saw to the beginning of the entertainment programme. It was choreographed by Vincent Fernandes of the “Mogachi laara” fame .
All the priests were felicitated by the parishioners with a shawl and a bouquet of flowers. Speaking on the occasion, the parish priest Fr Ani Xavier wished all the parishioners a happy feast. He also expressed his happiness in seeing such a strong unity between the Goan and Mangalorean Konkani speaking communities in the parish.
The programme had a well balanced combination of dance , comedy and song that displayed the talent of both young children and the youth.
During the programme, the main benefactors Mr. Alfred D’Souza and Mr. Gabriel D’Souza were honored for their tireless support towards the parish interests.
Co-sponsors John Menezes, Joaquin Menezes and Oliver D’Mello were also felicitated. A host of other names who have generously helped the parish were also announced.
Choir Master lancy Carlo, parishioner Manuel Fernandes and organizer Faustin Alva were honored for their support to the parish.
The programme Director Uttam Menezes proposed the vote of thanks.
The whole congregation partook in the traditional vegetarian dinner hosted by the organizers of the day, the St Michael’s Church Konkani Community.
By far, it was a memorable day both for the young and the not very old!