LONDON
Chicalim Parish Priest Fr Bolmax Pereira has praised the Goans for preserving their faith in the UK, during his short trip to London and highlighted the importance of maintaining relationships and unity within one's family.
Fr Bolmax celebrated Masses and interacted with the Goan communities in Heathrow, Wembley and Swindon, where he was given a warm and rousing welcome.
HEATHROW
The United Friends Heathrow UK President Leister Martins along with his members had organised the celebration of Mass at the St George Chapel in Heathrow Airport, and it was a full capacity at the Chapel.
Fr Jude Kurumeh officially welcomed Fr Bolmax to celebrate Mass in English for his Goan community with all other faithful at the Heathrow and he concelebrated the Mass.
Fr Bolmax presided over the Mass and in his homily, began by asking everyone about their notion of “fear”. He said that despite having different levels of fears, people must have hope and be strong through Jesus Christ.
Fr Bolmax also spoke about the importance of maintaining relationships and unity within one's family.
After the homily, Fr Bolmax delivered a special message in Konkani to all Goans at Heathrow Airport. He appreciated the Goans for preserving their faith in UK by going to Church and participating in liturgical and parish activities.
At the end of the Mass, people lined up to meet Fr Bolmax and to seek his blessings. Besides Leister, Greg da Silva, Pedro Fernandes and Domnic Caitan Fernandes volunteered in the organisation of the Mass.
WEMBLEY/SWINDON
Fr Bolmax’s celebrated Mass at the St Joseph Church in Wembley and Holy Rood Church in Swindon, where he prayed for health and well-being of the Goan community in the UK.
Chicalim Parish Priest Fr Bolmax Pereira celebrates Mass at the St Joseph Church in Wembley.
Fr Nelson Lobo, ofm, who was on a UK visit during the same time concelebrated the Mass in Wembley.
From the melodies of Konkani hymns to the heartfelt prayers, the Mass was filled with moments of joy, reflection, and prayer, with members of the community participating actively in the liturgy, singing hymns in their native Konkani language, and offering prayers of thanksgiving.
The Mass also served as a reminder of the importance of keeping traditions alive, especially for younger generations who may be growing up in the UK but who still hold close the values and practices of their Goan heritage.
Fr Bolmax expressed his gratitude to Msgr Martin Hayes, Vicar General of Archdiocese of Westminster, Parish Priest of Swindon Fr Lucas Rodrigues, Fr Mark Furtado, Chaplain of the Goan Chaplaincy in UK Fr Renato Andrade, and Fr Joseph Kaduthanam (Parish Priest from St Joseph Church Wembley). He also thanked all those who came forward to organise the Mass.
“One of the most heart-warming aspects of the celebration was the sense of unity it fostered within the community. For many Goans, Father Bolmax Pereira’s visit brought a sense of comfort, a reminder that no matter where life takes them, the bonds of faith and culture are unbreakable,” said Floyd Dias do Rosario.
