LONDON
The Colva Union UK celebrated its golden anniversary at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Hayes in West London, on October 18, to mark the Fama of Infant Jesus, which is famously celebrated at the Colva Parish in Goa.
The function started with a Mass in Konkani celebrated by Fr Felix D’Silva SJ, hailing from Ambelim-Goa and Parish Priest of St Anselm Church, Southall. The choir was led by Aldrich Fernandes.
After the Mass, the congregation took part in a procession with the statue of Infant Jesus.
Sonvia Fernandes later thanked the Parish priest, Fr Christopher Newman CMF, for permitting the Colva Union to celebrate Mass at the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Botwell Church.
Mathew Deniz of Kentuckee Seafood Restaurant, Colva Beach, offered miniature statues of Infant Jesus as a takeaway to families after Mass. The blessed cords (Bentina) which were brought from Goa, was also distributed to the congregation after Mass.
Members and guest of Colva Union later assembled at the nearby Claretian Oasis Hall for a social get-together.
Solo musician and saxophonist, Olavo Fernandes, performed at the gathering, followed by the band, “Legacy” led by Inacio provided the music for the night. Antonio Fernandes the mood setter engaged the gathering and also gave a brief history of the inception of the Colva Union.
The chief guest at the gathering was Flavio Gracias B.E.M, while the guests of honour were Joao Pedro Cruz (Portuguese advisory councillor of the UK and Ireland), Fr Luigi Morrone SDV (Parish Priest of Heston and Cranford), Fr McDonald Ibekwe SDV (Asst Parish Priest of Heston and Cranford) and Saby Fernandes (President of Colva Union UK).
A special cake was cut by Colva Union UK President, Saby Fernandes along with Gabriel Fernandes (Treasurer) and Jeronimo Fernandes (Secretary).
In his address, Gracias recalled his tenure as president of the Colva Union UK 26 years ago, and was happy to see the achievements of the Colva Union UK over the past 50 years.
Flavio Gracias also read out a special message from Bishop Agnelo Gracias who conveyed his wishes to the Colva Union UK.
Guest of Honour, Joao Pedro Cruz, was pleased to see the present generation maintaining their Goan culture, even though many were not born in Goa.
He advised that the Colva Union and Portuguese Goans to have a closer connect with the Portuguese Consulate and assured to offer his assistance if Portuguese Goans faced any issues at the Consulate.
Colva Union UK President Saby Fernandes thanked all those who attended the function and expressed his gratitude to members of his organisation for working hard to organise the golden anniversary celebration.
He also thanked Fr Felix D’Silva, who conducted the church service, Fr Luigi and Fr MCDonald for their support, the security service 3PLEH SECURITY managed by Habito Fernandes, Twisted Lime bar services managed by Dixon De Souza, Noémia Fernandes of Snack Hack for catering the snacks and dinner and Gladwin & Gladston Serrao of Party Crafters for the decoration.
Colva Union UK Treasurer Gabriel Fernandes also thanked all those who advertised in the special golden jubilee souvenir and also thanked Joao Pedro Cruz for his support and help with Portuguese Goans facing difficulties at the Portuguese Consulate.
Clara Fernandes concluded the event by singing the Konkani song ‘Mogan Asso Borem’, which was a favourite song of her late father and former Colva Union UK president Saby D’Silva, who would have celebrated his 95th birthday on October 18. Clara was accompanied by her sisters, Rita and Fatima Fernandes who came all the way from Leicester for the function.
The Colva Union UK has been involved in a number of events and programmes, both in the UK and in Goa.
Besides being involved with various old age homes and orphanages, the Colva Union UK in the past has donated to various organisations in Goa and has also supported the Colva Parish.
