UAE: Nativity Feast at Ras Al Khaimah
Pics by : Arun Castelino, Ras Al Khaimah
Report by : Alwyn Castelino, Ras Al Khaimah
RAK, Sep 11: The Mangalorean community of St. Antony of Padua, Ras Al Khaimah celebrated Feast of Nativity of Mother Mary on Wednesday, 9 September with great religious fervor.
The ceremony started with flower showering by about 50 kids in the honor of Mother Mary. The devotees along with priests marched in procession to the church to the tune of “Sokkad Sangaatha Melyaan ……”
The feast high mass was celebrated by Fr. Freddie of St. Mary’s church, Dubai along with Fr. Dinesh from St. Michael Church, Sharjah, guest priest Fr. Sunil from Mangalore along with Fr. Thomas, parish priest of Ras Al Khaimah church. The newly formed choir group sang some beautiful hymns to add splendor to the mass.
After the mass sweets were distributed to the children. The mass was attended by more than 250 people who later on assembled at Venus Restaurant to celebrate the “Noven Jevaann” in a traditional way.
At Venus Restaurant, the gathering was welcomed by Mr. Alex Crasta. Fr. Dinesh who will be transferred from Sharjah Church soon was felicitated during the occasion for his service to the community. The new crop grains were blessed by Fr. Freddie. Mr. Alex Crasta thanked all 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 Mangalorean community enjoyed this rare occasion as one family.