LONDON
The Goan community in Wythenshawe in Northwest UK celebrated the Feast of St Francis Xavier on November 29 for the fourth year, and the enthusiasm showing no sign of slowing down.
People travelled from far and wide to be part of the day. One couple drove from Liverpool, while some made the trip from Warrington.
This year’s Konkani Mass at St Anthony’s Church was celebrated by Fr Mark Furtado, assistant parish priest at Holy Rood Catholic Church in Swindon. Nearly 200 people participated in the Mass, filling the Church with Konkani hymns, heartfelt prayers and that unmistakable Goan warmth.
After Mass, the celebrations moved into festive mode with lively music, dancing and a much-appreciated performance by the children, trained by parishioner Saddie Mendes.
[From L to R]: Fr Ramesh Amaldoss, Fr Edmund Montgomery and Fr Mark Furtado
Fr Ramesh Amaldoss, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart & St Peter’s, St Hilda’s & St Aidan’s, and Fr Edmund Montgomery, Parish Priest of Our Lady Queen of Peace & St Carlo Acutis, joined the gathering. Their presence added to the sense of unity across parishes and communities, and the Goan community was pleased to see clergy and laity relaxing, laughing and celebrating together.
The buffet showcased the very best of Goan flavours: Sorpotel, Choris Pao, and the traditional Kadio Bodio.
It was a day filled with faith, friendship and an unmistakable sense of community. Next year more Goans from across the Northwest are expected to join the celebrations and help the tradition grow into something even more vibrant.
