Nativity Feast Fervour at Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Doha
News & Pics: Alexis Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha (SB)
Doha, Sep 9: The celebration of the feast of the birth of our lady has always been a uniting factor for the Konkani speaking community here in Qatar.
Under the guidance of Fr Anand Castelino, the spiritual director of the Konkani community and the leadership of the Konkani Speaking Committee having representatives from Goa and Mangalore, the feast was celebrated at the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary here.
At 5.30 pm in the evening on Wednesday September 8, thousands of devotees gathered at the church. The main celebrant of the mass was Fr Santhosh Rodrigues, director, Family Life Service Centre – Diocese of Mangalore who was also the preacher during the feast novenas.
Fr Santhosh in his homily preached the importance of having Mother Mary as our Mother and called upon each family to practice Christian values. The theme of the sermon was “Morie Mai amkam Jezu Sorxim Vechi Vat dakoita, Jezu thaim ekvottan samballta”. The preaching during the nine days of the novena was very much liked and appreciated by the community as Fr Santosh reflected the life of Mary and the importance of the word of God in the life of a Christian.
Fr Peter P M, parish priest of the church blessed the new corn and seeked blessings on the gathering. Before the final prayers Fr Peter P M conveyed his wishes to all gathered for the celebration which was followed by the vote of thanks by Veena Rebeimbus Pais.
The newsletter of the Konkani Community 'EKVOTT' was released on the occasion by the parish priest. Eddie Sequeira, the editor of the newsletter was also present for the release. Alfred Sequieira couple were Pirgintt of the festive mass,and also sponsored Noven Jevan to be held on the church premises on Thursday September 9. Other Murdoms and sponsors of the novena were honored with candles.
Children showered flowers and the new corn was distributed to all gathered along with cake and juice. As the celebration ended everybody was busy wishing each other “Bhagi Monthi Fest”, it was really a wonderful scene of brotherhood and sharing of common feelings.
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