UAE: Nativity Feast at Ras Al Khaimah
Pics by  :  Roshan D’ Souza, Ras Al Khaimah
Report by : Alwyn Castelino, Ras Al Khaimah

RAK, Sep 16: The Konkani  community of St. Antony of Padua, Ras Al Khaimah,  consisting of  a number of Mangalorean  and Goan  families celebrated the Feast of Nativity of Mother Mary on Monday ,  September 13 with great religious fervor.

The ceremony started with flower strewing by about 30 kids with adults too joining them in honour of Mother Mary. The devotees along with priest marched in procession to the Grotto/Church to the tune of “Sokkad Sangaatha Melyaan ……”

The feast high mass was celebrated by Fr. Fransquinho Gomes the newly appointed Assistant Priest at St. Mary’s Church, Dubai. The choir group sang some beautiful hymns to add splendor to the mass. All people joined the choir in singing as every hymn was displayed on a visual screen in bi-lingual script and thus the participation in the mass became more meaningful.

After the mass sweets were distributed to the children and blessed   corn to all families. The mass was attended by nearly 200 people who later on assembled at Venus Restaurant to celebrate the “Noven Jevaann” in a traditional way.

At Venus Restaurant, Fr. Fransquinho Gomes was introduced to the community by Alex Crasta.  Who also welcomed and thanked the people who sponsored & supported the event,

Delicious, traditional Mangalorean food was served by Venus Restaurant on banana leaves. The celebration was ended with “Lavdaathe ….”. The  Konkani community enjoyed this rare occasion as one family.