PARIS
The Goan Association in Paris celebrated Easter at the Church of Saint Dominique in Paris on April 20.
The traditional Easter Mass in Konkani was celebrated by Fr Kelwin Monteiro, SJ. In his homily, Fr Kelwin exhorted the participants at Mass to be Christians of hope and joy.
The mass was attended by many Goan families, who have made Paris their home.
The Mass was followed by a cultural programme in the hall at the basement of the church.
A few more Goans, some with friends and acquaintances of those assembled at the hall, also joined in the second part of the celebrations.
The cultural programme began with a cake cutting ceremony by the President of the Association, Camilo Felix Cardozo and his working committee.
This was followed by a march to the tune of the music of DJ Savio Cardozo. The MC for the day, Viona Cardozo, then called upon the gathering to join in the dance session, which was followed by a buffet. Post-lunch, there were two more dance sessions, while people also interacted with each other. The event also included a high tea and a game of tombola.
“It was a day well spent, sharing the old memories and creating new ones. A tiny seed that was sown by a few Goans in 1999 has now grown into a mighty tree, which is the Goan Association. We are keen to keep our Goan culture and traditions alive in Paris,” said Camilo Cardozo.
