New Year Celebrations By Konkani Catholics Of London
Source: KonkaniFriends.com

London Jan 1: The Konkani Catholics of London organized the New Year celebrations at St. Agnes church center in Cricklewood London on the eve of the New Year.

The welcoming of the New Year commenced at 20:00 hours with the prayers reflecting upon the past events that had happened and thanking the Lord for the blessings he had showered on this world and his people during the current year. Prayers were also prayed to the Lord to fill the New Year with his amazing Grace, Blessings and Peace.

This was followed by the holy mass in Konkani presided by the managing trustee of Samanvaya Mangalore, Rev. Dr. Pius Fidelis Pinto. The first reading was read by Mrs. Janet D’Souza followed by the second by Mr. Charles D’Souza. Rev. Dr. Pius Pinto in his homily gave the message to the assemblage that "As we begin with the New Year today, our thoughts remind us of the past year responsibilities which are needed to be carried forward in the months that lie ahead. It is a common man’s stock taking with a view for better planning for the days that lay a head of us". He also said that "As we celebrate the New Year, the liturgy puts before us the person of Mary, the mother of God. Mary the mother of God shows us how to plan our day to day life despite of our daily struggle". The entire mass was made vibrant with the pleasant choir led by the Konkani Catholic prayer group of London.

Soon after the mass Rev. Dr. Pius Pinto welcomed the gathering and also thanked the gathering for their active participation. He appreciated the effort for coming together and also for their support. He called for the unity & Co-operation among the Konkani Catholics of London in the days to come. He specially thanked Mrs. & Mr. Christine and Richard Lobo family, Mrs. & Mr. Gracy and Jacob Menezes family, Mrs. & Mr. Ceciliea and James family and the Konkani Prayer Group of London for sponsoring and making this event possible.

The celebration was compeered by Mr. Thomas D’Souza. He welcomed the Konkani Aab who had come all the way from Mangalore India to join the Konkani Catholics of London to welcome the New Year. He was interviewed by Mr. Thomas D’Souza who entertained the gathering with his witty answers. Konkani Aab invited Mrs. Christine Lobo to address the gathering with her New Year Message.

Mrs. Christine Lobo in her message said that "She is happy to see everyone who were gathered there and wished everyone for the New Year". She also said "We have started the New Year in a meaningful way thanking the Lord. By organizing this event today we have demonstrated our unity. Let this unity bind us together and make it more stronger and stronger and let it be of use to one another".

Whilst the snacks were served various games were conducted by Mrs. Violet D’Souza and team for the children of different age categories. Tombola was conducted by Mr. Raj Francis Pereira and Mrs. Pramila Crasta. Prizes were given for all the successful participants of all events.

Simultaneously the celebration continued with the call for the New Year dinner. While few hit the dance floor the other continued to enjoy the delicious traditional Mangalorean dinner. Melwyn Rodrigues entertained the guests with his fantastic music.

As the count down began and when everyone entered in to the New Year Rev. Dr. Pius Pinto led the prayer for a fruitful and a Happy New Year. The assemblage greeted one another and wished their best to each other. The entire celebration was concluded with the Laudate.

Write Your Comments on this Article - click here

Reader Comments:

Judith D'Cunha, Bangalore Jan 6 2008 15:47:41
Congrats. all the best. wish you all happy new year. my sister is there here email id nilbasu16@hotmail.com. please get in touch with her. right now she is in india. she will be back after 15 days. she is there for the last 40 years.
bye god bless you all
judy

Anitha, Bangalore Jan 8 2009 11:48:21
Good to see all Mangaloreans coming together in UK as well. This is the need of the hour. Olden days there used to be joint / large families . Now the nuclear families, needs gatherings like these which brings people together as one family.