THE GOAN NETWORK | LONDON
The Goan Association Germany (GAG) celebrated the Feast of St Joseph Vaz on May 27, bringing together a vibrant community of Goans and friends of the association and creating a day filled with spiritual devotion, cultural performances, and culinary delights.
The day began with a Mass celebrated by Parish Priest Fr Christian Enke, as the congregation gathered to pay homage to St Joseph Vaz. Devotional prayers and hymns sung by the choir, accompanied by guitars and keyboards, created a musical experience that touched the hearts of all those present at Mass.
The celebration attracted a diverse crowd from near and far, demonstrating the strong sense of community and shared heritage among Goans. The gathering of Goans and friends of the GAG fostered an atmosphere of warmth, as old friendships were rekindled and new connections were formed.
After the Mass, a reception was organised by the committee members of GAG. Guests were treated to a variety of snacks. The highlight of the evening was the Goan-style buffet, which offered a spread of vegetarian, meat, and seafood dishes.
Beyond the culinary delights, the celebration was a hub of entertainment and joy. Children revelled in a game specially designed for them, while adults enthusiastically participated in the lively game of housie (bingo).
The dance floor came alive with the rhythmic beats of Konkani and English tunes by DJ Jeronimo Simoes.
As the evening progressed, friends and acquaintances caught up with each other and shared precious moments. The celebration provided a platform for people to reconnect, reminisce, and forge new memories in the spirit of unity and camaraderie.
The Feast of St Joseph Vaz celebrated by the Goan Association Germany served as a testament to the strong sense of community among Goans and the commitment of the Goan Association Germany in preserving and celebrating their rich heritage.
The present GAG committee comprises Ashly Carrasco (President), Tim Pereira (Vice President), Veron Pereira-Simoes (Treasurer), Melanie De Melo (General Secretary), Michael Mascarenhas (Joint Secretary) and Amelia D'Souza (Public Relations Officer).
The Goan Association Germany was formally founded on October 31, 2003, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
“On December 14, 2002, a group consisting of Matano Gracias, Mariano Pereira, Renjula Noronha, Vito Oliveira, Brian Albuquerque, and Jeronimo Simoes met at Matano's residence. During their discussions, they realised the socio-cultural needs of the Goan community and felt the necessity of having an association to address those needs. This led to the formation of GAG with the purpose of serving the Goan community in Germany,” said GAG President Ashly Carrasco.
“The main objectives of setting up the GAG were to strengthen the unity of the Goan community in Germany, to collaborate internationally with other Goan associations overseas, to promote and encourage the use of the Konkani language, to preserve Goan traditions and folklore, to uplift Goan cultures and heritage, and to establish an association that is of a secular nature and open to all.”
Describing GAG as a non-profit association, GAG Secretary Melanie De Melo said they have organised various events and activities in Germany.
“These include celebrating the Feast of St Joseph Vaz, organising a family picnic, holding litany and rosary gatherings, and arranging a Christmas get-together. Additionally, whenever possible, GAG tries to incorporate cultural activities such as Tiatr or movie screenings.”
