NEW YORK
The New York Goan Association’s annual Feast of St Francis Xavier was celebrated at St Luke's Church Hall in Whitestone, New York, on December 7, bringing together over 130 members of the Goan and Indian community.
The day began with a well-attended Holy Mass, setting a reverent tone for the festivities to follow. This was followed by a celebration in the Church Hall which was decorated by the committee members.
Guests were welcomed with some delicious appetisers like chicken lollipops, vegetable spring rolls, kebabs, haryali chicken and more. The Master of Ceremonies Valerian Rodrigues started the event with the traditional Goan March, which was followed by a welcome by the New York Goan Association President Abigail Couto.
She thanked the sponsors and members and praised the committee for their hard work and dedication. She outlined some of the work done by the association, both in New York and in India. The proceeds from the raffle baskets will help the association’s different charities in Goa, Mumbai and Nashik.
The association has helped orphanages, homes for the aged and hospices in India and will continue its social outreach initiatives.
There was foot tapping music from DJ Evette in addition to some live music, keeping the crowd entertained. The arrival of Santa with gifts and goodies for the kids is a tradition which the kids enjoyed. The feast cake was cut and the members sang the traditional feast song.
The gathering was treated to some melodies from the young singing star Leanne Rodrigues and from Joey.
A lunch of Goan, Indian and Portuguese cuisine was generously catered by Spice symphony, The Order and O Lavrador, along with a signature salad from a committee member.
The traditional Sorpotel was made and sponsored by The Order and well enjoyed with Sannas. The lunch menu had seafood paella, Peruvian chicken, sannas, Sorpotel, Chana masala, fish curry, lomein and more. The wine for the event was sponsored by New York wine exchange/Couto family.
The entire event was coordinated by the New York Goan Association committee, which believed that keeping the spirit of Goemkarponn alive in New York is key for the Association and bringing families together is its mission.
