Photo Credits: Jolliber Fernandes
The Goan Chaplaincy in the United Kingdom organised a Carols Presentation, calling for peace, unity and brotherhood among the Goan community.
This 4th annual event was held at St Joseph’s College, Swindon on December 16 and was blessed by Rev. Fr. Lucas Rodrigues, the Goan Chaplain at Swindon.
This event is one of the many ways that the Chaplaincy prepares the people for the blessed season of Christmas.
Various groups from Wembley, Holy Rood Church Choir - Swindon, Cranford, Reading, Hayes, Hounslow, Bridgwater and Rhythmix (the Biggest Goan children choir) rendered their Konkani and English Carols.
This year, the presentation went a notch higher with the groups performing professionally, adding a lot of creativity and the younger generation. To make the event more special, a star competition was held, thus bringing to mind the fond memories of yesteryears when the special attraction for Christmas would be the handmade star hanging outside every house in Goa. This year’s stars were unique because they were made by families, both young and old.
The children had a special event wherein they had to dress up as a nativity figure. About 37 children participated in this competition and several were dressed up as Kings, Shepherds, Mary, Joseph, Angels and animals, the most unique being an innkeeper.
All the groups were awarded for the presentation, and it brought smiles on every face. The judges too had a tough time in judging the stars and the nativity figure competition as one was better than the other.
The Chaplaincy arranged a hot lunch for everyone, and the event was well supported by the Chaplaincy senior team, the Chaplaincy prayer group and the youth of the Goan Chaplaincy. The raffle added a zing to the event that was well attended.
Special guest performances were rendered by Joseyana Costa, Agnelo Vaz, Divino Almeida and Fr Mark. The compere Chris De Sa kept the audience well entertained.
Christmas Messages were delivered by Rev. Fr Francis Colaco (Parish Priest of St Peter's Catholic Church, West Swindon) and a prominent senior citizen Francis Ribeiro who spoke in parables, presenting a lovely Christmas message.
