Raise funds for reconstruction of St Anne’s Church in Yedoga-Karwar
LONDON
About 200 people from different parts of the UK attended the feast and celebration of St Francis Xavier, organised by Mark’s Corner 77 Goan Cuisine and Event Management Services in The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, Hayes, London on December 6.
Hosted by the company’s proprietors Minguel Fernandes and Viola Fernandes, the event raised funds of Rs 50,000 via a housie and raffle towards the reconstruction of St Anne’s Church, Yedoga, in Karwar Diocese, after responding to an appeal by the St Anne’s Church Parish Priest Fr Urban Santosh Fernandes via a video message on social media.
Ciana D’Costa, Advisory Councillor at the Council of the Portuguese Communities (CPC) in the UK and Ireland was the chief guest, while community organiser Allister Cajetan De Sa was the Guest of Honour. Sebastian D’Costa (President of Golden Goa Association, Southampton) and prominent businessman Jose Noronha (President of Utt Goenkara UK Community Organisation), were special guests.
The highlight of this year’s St Francis Xavier’s Feast Dine and Dance was the debut performance of a Goan band ‘Harmonix’ comprising Mark Jayden Fernandes (keyboard), Macleccia Fernandes (Violin), Euan Estrocio (Guitar/Vocals), Kimberly Costa (drums) and Mercy (bass guitar).
Awaaz FM RJ Roque Vaz and MC Anjali D’Costa from Southampton were the comperes who engaged the gathering. MC Anjali D’Costa opened the event by speaking about the significance of the feast of St Francis Xavier especially in the life of Goans scattered across the globe.
A popular singer Valiston Fernandes entertained the guests, while DJ Dylan Rodrigues dished out different genres of dance music especially the Konkani chart-topping hits. The three-piece international Goan band ‘Jus Leo with Val and Zie’ was also in attendance. Frazer Colaco was the official photographer.
The popular Konkani hymn ‘Sam Francis Xaviera’ was sung by RJ Roque Vaz and Minguel Fernandes to the accompaniment of music from ‘Jus Leo’ band members and Harmonix.
A celebratory cake was cut especially by guests celebrating their birthdays during the first week of December. RJ Roque Vaz later said the grace before meals in Konkani.
On this occasion, Allister De Sa, RJ Roque Vaz, RJ Bihula Vaz, and MC Anjali D’Costa were felicitated for their community service. Members of the different musical groups and entertainers were also felicitated.
There was a creative competition wherein participants especially children were required to draw or paint a picture depicting the life, works and mission of St Francis Xavier, and attractive prizes were awarded.
Allister De Sa won a special prize for speaking in Konkani about the feast celebration as it takes place in Goa.
A popular caterer in the UK since 2017, Mark’s Corner 77 Goan Cuisine and Event Management Services has been organising community events like St Francis Xavier Dine and Dance along with the Easter Ball since 2023.
Minguel and his team have also been putting up food stalls every year during Summer Fairs and Christmas Bazaars since 2021, specifically to raise funds for Immaculate Heart of Mary Church located in Hayes, London.
