Media Release
Bahrain, Dec 21: Feast of Saint Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa was celebrated on December 3.
Members, parishioners and the complete parish congregation came under one roof to celebrate the feast united in the spirit of brotherhood and fellowship. The parish Konkani community was entrusted the responsibility of organizing the 9-day fellowship novena which began from November 24, 2014 and culminated with the feast day celebrations on December 3, 2014.
As part of the traditional 9-day novena, the visiting priest Fr Alvito, Ofm. Cap. preached on all 9 days spreading the spiritual and religious importance of the love of God, the Son and the holy spirit. He emphasized on the spirit of unity and brotherhood and stressed on the human values of love, forgiveness and kindness as preached by Jesus Christ.
The feast day at the Sacred Heart Church saw throngs of crowd of about 1000 who attended the concelebrated mass led by Alvito as the main celebrant, Parish priest Fr Freddy, assistant parish priests Fr Peter and Fr Francisco along with sisters in attendance.
The high mass in honor of St. Francis Xavier began with presentation of candles to Presidents (Pirjent) and family sponsors (Muddom). This tradition was introduced for the first time in this Parish which was initiated by Fr Gaspar who is the new spiritual director of Konkani Community.
Presidents and family sponsors along with their families then joined the celebrants in procession with lit candles while the choir sang the traditional hymns which helped the congregation to partake in the celebration wholeheartedly.
The traditional offertory procession was conducted with parishioners (led by children) who donated gifts and other essentials which are given to the needy and poor families in the parish.
The highlight of the mass was a beautiful and meaningful homily by Fr Alvito on the teachings and life of St Francis Xavier and how he strived to bring the message of love and peace to the Asian continent covering India, China, Sri Lanka and the Indies with bible and cross as his instruments.
At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, parish priest Fr Freddy proposed vote of thanks acknowledging the efforts of all who worked tirelessly in organizing the event and also those who donated generously towards the expenses of the event. He also applauded Fr Alvito for his contribution to the Parish for the past one month, especially in conducting the St Francis Xavier novena and feast celebrations.
The celebration concluded with children, adults and parishioners from all walks of life kissing the relic of St Francis Xavier and with distribution of refreshments and souvenirs to all faithful gathered.