Nativity Feast Celebrated in Doha - Qatar
by Reena Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha

Doha, Sep 11: The Celebration of the feast of the birth of our lady has always been a uniting factor for the Konkani speaking Community in Doha-Qatar.

Under the guidance of Rev.Fr.Gaspar Fernandes the spiritual caretaker of the konkani community and the leadership of the newly formed Holy Rosary Konkani Community Council having representatives from Goa and Mangalore, the feast was celebrated in the newly built church of our lady of the Rosary in Qatar for the first time. At 7.00 in the evening on September 8, 2008 thousands of devotees gathered at the Seraphic hall for the final day novena, blessing of the new corn, and the showering of the flowers by the little children. The Holy mass in konkani commenced with a candle light procession led by the little children dressed in white followed by the Pirgenth and Murddom families of the feast.

The main celebrant of the mass was Rev Fr. Francis Xavier Gomes, the Principal of St.Philomena College, Putur who was also the preacher during the feast novenas. Father Francis in his homily preached the purpose of the Mother Mary?s birth and the importance of it being a family feast.

Before the final prayers Rev.Fr.Tomasito Veneracion the Parish Priest conveyed his wishes to all gathered for the celebration which was followed by the Vote of Thanks by Ronnie Vaz. The first issue of the newsletter of the Konkani Community 'EKVOTT' was released on the ocassion by the Parish Priest. Eddie Sequeira the editor of the newsletter was also present for the release.

New corn was distributed to all gathered and after the final blessings cake and juice was distributed to the congregation. The newly formed Holy Rosary konkani speaking community council has Maria Yvette Santimano, Ronnie Vaz, Vincy Lobo, Walter D'silva, Amitha D'Souza (Gen Secretary), Richard Cardozo, Joe Carvalho (President) Vivian D'souza, Judyline Dias (Treasurer), Rosario D'Cunha. As the celebration ended everybody was busy wishing each other and singing deep down from the heart of our hearts 'Sakkod Sangatha Melliyam Sakkod Langim Soriyam '

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