PARIS
The Goan Association in Paris organised its annual São João celebration with a Mass at the Parish Church of Saint Dominique, 20 Rue de la Tombe Issoire, Paris on June 29 at 12.30 pm.
Along with the committee members led by Camilo Felix Cardozo, president of the association, the event was organised by the Goan Association in Paris. The Solemn Mass in Konkani was celebrated by Fr Trindade Johnson Monteiro, Priest-in-Charge from East Anglia Diocese. The concelebrants were Fr Elvin Lopes, a Capuchin from Honnavar-Karnataka, pursuing his theological studies in Paris and Fr Alwyn Dias, a Capuchin and former Provincial Minister of Karnataka Province. He had come for the Episcopal Ordination of Mgr. Eric Bidot, Bishop of Tulle Diocese, in Coreze, France.
Along with the children, Flaviana Fernandes (piano), Renissa Fernandes (violin), Dawson De Souza (Harp) led the choir while the liturgical parts were read in Konkani by the members.
After the Mass, the Goans proceeded to the Church Hall to celebrate the occasion with music and dance. People danced to the tunes of Goan traditional music of São João songs, initiated by DJ Moses Rodrigues, while Viona Cardozo compered the programme. Besides the dance and music which reverberated the spirits of São João, there was a much-awaited housie, lottery, guessing my weight (Jackfruit), and many other surprise prizes which were conducted for the participants.
The tombola prize winner was John Da Costa, while Alcantro Fernandes and Joan De Melo guessed the weight of the jackfruit and won it comfortably, and the Lucky lottery was won by Romaldo Gurjao. The spot prizes were won by Clefita Fernandes, Pedro Pinto, Tommy Fernandes, Elena Marques, Maria De Souza, and Anthony Gonsalves, the 'Every Time Dancing on the Floor'.
Tokens of appreciation were given to the Choir group, Fernandes and family, Alfanco and family, DJ Savio Cardozo, Moses Rodrigues and Remedies Fernandes, MC Viona Cardozo, and Melvin D Nogueiro for their significant roles to the Goans Association in Paris.
Camilo Cardozo has guided the association for two terms over six years and will complete his term in October 2025. The members of the Goan association in Paris are grateful to Camilo for steering the group to greater heights.
