LONDON
The Vasco Goan Association UK celebrated the Feast of St Andrew, patron of the Vasco Church, in London on November 29, blending faith, tradition and vibrant cultural entertainment to bring the Goan community together in a spirit of unity and joy.
The festivities began with a Thanksgiving Mass in Konkani at St Anselm’s church, Southall, celebrated by Fr Renato Andrade from the Goa Chaplaincy in the UK, which was attended by devotees from across London, reflecting the enduring faith and spiritual heritage of the Goan community.
The congregation participated in a procession after Mass and later venerated the statue of St Andrew.
The traditional ‘kadio bodio’, sponsored by VGA-UK committee member Joseph Cliffer Fernandes, was distributed among the congregation.
The celebration continued with a dine and dance event at Saffron D’or banquet hall where guests enjoyed an evening filled with music, dance and fellowship.
Musical performances by ‘The Royals’ band, V1(Risma & Joanro) and DJ Queency engaged the gathering on the dance floor, while MC Amanda hosted the event, adding warmth and charm to the proceedings.
Amanda introduced the VGA-UK committee members, and a cake was cut to mark the occasion.
Candidates from the Conservative Party at the upcoming council elections, Allister Cajetan de Sa, Vivek Ganachari and Parinoor Kaur were introduced during the gathering.
Later, VGA-UK General Secretary Frazier Fernandes addressed the gathering.
Swindon and sitting Councillor Imitiyaz Shaikh was a special invitee, while those felicitated at the event were Swindon Councillor Adorabelle Amaral Shaikh, Pamila Rodrigues, Angela Joyce de Souza, Mark Silva, Brunette Pereira, Joaquina Joanna Fernandes, Mark Silva, Joseph Cliffer Fernandes, Felipe Dionisio Fernandes, Romao Vas and David Lobo.
A highlight of the evening was the Miss Vasco Beauty Pageant 2025 contest, which was adjudged by Swindon Councillor Adorabelle Amaral Shaikh and social worker, Angela Joyce de Souza.
Walessa Fernandes won the Miss Vasco pageant contest and won a diamond earrings, while Keely Carvalho was the runner-up and was award gold earrings.
The event also featured exciting raffle prizes and a housie, with prizes including £1,000, £500, £300, air fryer, and a return flight to Goa.
The VGA-UK honoured several individuals during the event, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the Goan community,
In his address, VGA-UK President Teodoro Colaco said the association has established a strong base in the UK amid a keen desire to foster close ties with Goa.
Appreciating the planning and support of his committee, Colaco also thanked Fr Renato Andrade of the Goan Chaplaincy, Fr Felix D’Silva (parish priest of St Anselm’s church Southall), Fr Peter O’Sullivan, the church staff members, choir members, communion ministers, altar servers, volunteers, performers, sponsors, well-wishers and all those who attended and supported the event. He said their unwavering commitment ensured that every aspect of the
celebration reflected the warmth and unity of the Goan community.
While expressing gratitude to their sponsors and spot prize donors, Simon D’Silva of Doha-Qatar and Lino (Eli Goan fresh & frozen seafood), Colaco also thanked Clayton Barreto, Social Secretary to the High Commissioner at the Indian High Commission in the UK, for sending in his greetings on the occasion.
“Our mission of cultural preservation and community enrichment whose generosity continues to strengthen their support enables us to bring our community together in meaningful and joyous ways,” said Colaco.
“As president of VGA-UK, I am proud to witness the continued growth, fellowship and cultural pride within our community. we look forward to hosting many more events that celebrate our heritage, support our members and inspire future generations.”
