Report by Freddy D'Souza, pic by Hillary Tellis
Daijiworld Media Network - Bahrain (SP)
Bahrain, Dec 24: The Konkani Christmas Fellowship Programme organized at Bishop Tirinanzi auditorium here on Friday December 19 suceeded in regaling the Konkani community of Bahrain.
The programme, organized by the Konkani Community cell of the Sacred Heart Church, started at 7.15 pm with a prayer by the visiting priest Fr Andre Fernandes from Goa. The assistant parish priest and the Konkani Community spiritual director Fr Vincent D'Souza, in his welcome address, expressed his desire to see more and more Konkani speaking parishioners of the church taking part in the programmes organized by this group.
The cultural programme began with the Nativity Tableau depicting the story of the birth of Jesus with little children of the community members singing Konkani carols in the background. The scene received a thunderous applause from the audience. The tableau script was written and arranged by Freddy D'Souza.
This was followed by a Bharatnatyam dance performance on a Konkani song by a young child Jovita D'Silva. Thereafter, Menino Fernandes presented a skit 'Dev Amgher Aila' relating the story of Christmas to our lives, which was well received by the audience.
Other items during the programme included the rendering of the song 'Happy Christmas tumka, nachoyan sonthosan vengon yeka meka' from the famous Konkani film 'Mog Ani Moypas', sung by Richard Pais, Menino, Christopher, Glen, Muriel Gomes, Gladys Tellis, Reema D'mello and Sendra, 'Nanv Tachem Roopa' sung by Menino, Richard, Muriel and Reema. Comedian Jr Luis rendered a solo entitled ‘Dhorm’. Hanna Miranda delighted the crowd with a solo number, 'Phulon yeuncha bongyano, aaj tumi phulanakath phalya tumi phulago'. Menino Fernandes also presented a solo ‘Devacho Put’. In between the main acts and songs, the audience was entertained with jokes 'sales man' and 'film studio' acted by Stany D'Souza, Hilary, Gracy Pais, Prakash, Sujay, Alwyn Peris, George and Nelson Menezes.
Fr Thomas Quadros, the parish priest in his address, praised the community members for their selfless efforts and support for the Konkani language. He also handed over a gift to the visiting priest Fr Andre Fernandes on behalf of the Konkani Community. Fr Fernandes was in Bahrain to preach during the Novenas of St Francis Xavier and also preached at the dawn masses in preparation for Christmas
Christmas cake and refreshments were served to all.
Peter D'Souza couple, which is leaving the island for good, was honoured during the programme by presenting a flower bouquet by Fr Vincent D'Souza. Peter, a prominent member of the community, has served in the Church as an eucaristic minister as well as a legionary for several years.
The hall was tuned in to ho-ho-ho joy and music with the entry of Santa with goodies and gifts for the children. A lucky dip with the main prize of a Christmas gift hamper and other prizes was held on the occasion.
Ignatius Feranandes provided the music for the evening. The programme was compeered by G R Crasto and Hilary Tellis. Havan Restaurant catered with a festive dinner.