The feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated with solemnity on Thursday 8th September 2016.
Two processions started at 7.30am from two sides. One from Nanthur Brigitine Convent under the leadership of Mr. Ronald Valder and other from Presidency I building under the leadership of Mr . Zozomus Pais. Gurkars carried the new corn and came in procession at 7.50am all people reached the church compound with two solemn bands leading the two processions. As people gathered, children offered flowers singing hymns to Infant Mary.
Then people walked into the church and Fr Antony Shera the Parish Priest Celebrated the solemn Eucharist together with Fr Ashwin Cardoza and Fr Roshan D’Cunha assistant priests and Fr Alwyn Serrao the Principal of Padua College concelebrated. Fr Alwyn in his homily spoke about the girl child, the rights of women, and the role of women in the family and society, giving the example of Mother Mary who was always reached out people in their needs. During the offertory, the new corn was brought to the altar together with a lot of other gifts to be given to some orphanages after the mass.
The small children who were trained by Mr. Oswald D’Souza and Mrs. Asha Menezes sand during the mass and it was really a melodious choir.
After the mass blessed new corn was distributed to the people. All arrangements were made to distribute sweets and cold drinks and sugar cane to all who participated in the Celebration. About 400 children brought flowers regularly with their parents. Sweets were distributed to all children who brought flowers during the 9 days of Novena. It was all possible because of sponsors and donors and other people of good will.
We had our Parish Family get together in the evening at 6pm in the Parish Hall. All had new corn with ‘VORN’ prepared by family Caterers. Mr. J.R Lobo, MLA distributed the scholarships from Fr Peter Noronha Education Trust to students who were doing their post graduation and then gave his message. The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Antony Shera in his message spoke about the importance of family life.
Mrs. Ida Lasrado compared the programme. CAL members led the prayer. Fr Roshan D’Cunha welcomed guests and gathering. Mr. Vijay Lobo proposed the vote of thanks. There was a short Cultural programme with five songs by children who were prepared by Asha Menezes. Song and singing were introduced by Master Nihal Rego to the gathering.
Thereafter a short Konkani play ‘Chor Sargar’ written by Lawrence D’Souza was enacted by Mr Simon Pinto and group, directed by Sangeth Guru Mr. Joel Pereira was enacted. The whole program ended at 8.00pm.
We thank all those who made the day enjoyable one.