News: Lavina D Sa
Pics: Gerwyn Dias
Oman, Oct 6: The Konkani community of the Holy Spirit Church of Ghala celebrated the feast of Nativity on September 10. The feast was a culmination of a nine day novena conducted by Fr Claud Mascarenhas, a visiting priest from Mangaluru. During the novena he helped the faithful to reflect on Mother Mary’s virtues and the Year of Mercy.
The festivities on the feast day began with the recitation of Novena at the grotto followed by showering of flowers to Mother Mary’s bambino. Fr Claud Mascarenhas blessed the novem, which is new paddy corn from Mangaluru. Fr Wilson Rumao, parish priest of Holy Spirit Church, Ghala was the main celebrant of the solemn mass and he was joined by Fr Navin D’Souza, Fr Claud Mascarenhas and Fr Antony Plamparambil. The melodious choir led by Cannon D’Souza added to the celebrations of the liturgy.
After the mass the blessed novem was distributed to the faithful and the children were presented gift packs.
A ‘novem jevan’ with a cultural programme was organized on the basket ball court of the parish. Jawahar Pinto, president of Monti fest organizing committee and parish council member of Ghala church welcomed the gathering. The programme was inaugurated by Fr Raul Ramos, Fr Claud Mascarenhas, Fr Navin D’Souza and Fr Marian Miranda by releasing a poster of Mother Mary. Fr Raul blessed the Novem Jevan which was cooked by the community members. He also addressed the gathering. Henry Gracy Castelino were honored for their contributions to the community. They were presented a memento by Fr Wilson. Micheal Goveas offered the jevnak udak and invited the gathering to dinner. The inaugural programme was conducted by Lavina D’Sa.
The cultural programme commenced with a group prayer song by members of the Konkani prayer. The students of the parish who secured CGPA 9 and above in the 10th and 12th board exams were presented mementos.
Peter D’Souza a well known actor and compere of the Ghala community, kept the crowd entertained with his comedy and spontaneous games.
A dance was presented by the group Ghaletian Rockers who rocked the stage with their scintillating performance by Melina Goveas, Liza D'Sa, Priyanka Mendonca, Stephen Montiero, Rebecca D'Souza, Avelen D'Souza, Stacy Vaz. This dance was choreographed by a young talent Priyanka Mendonca.
Rebecca D’Souza,Joel Mendonca, Joel D’Souza, Cavin D’Souza, Cannon D’Souza, Charlotte Cutinho accompanied by Triven Goveas on the keyboard kept the crowd entertained with their singing and music.
Novem jevan was served on the traditional banana leaf to all the members of the community gathered. It was indeed a memorable day for all the Konkani members of the Ghala parish.