Fr Patrick D’Souza (second from left) along with the with the Margao Union UK committee.
LONDON
Goans from different parts of the UK celebrated the Feast of the Holy Spirit and the 21st anniversary of the Margao Union UK with a function at the Cypriot Community Centre in Wood Green, North London on May 19.
Bella Fernandes, who heads the Margao Union UK, said those present at the function were from Peterborough, Southampton, Hounslow, Southall, South London, Windsor, Hampton, Walton-on-Thames, Ashford, North London, Coulsdon and other parts of the UK.
The event began with a Mass celebrated by Fr Patrick De Souza. Readings were done by Maize Gracias and Chelsea Almeida, while Bidding prayers were presented by Savio Alfonso. The altar server was Jaliza Fernandes and Eucharistic Minister was Lucas Fernandes. The choir was led by Judy Fernandez, comprising Camilo Carvalho (musician) and Jennifer Fernandes, Richard Goes, Vera Joanes, Maize Gracias, Chelsea Almeida, and Bella Fernandes (singers).
After the Mass, Bella Fernandes thanked Fr Patrick for celebrating the Holy Mass. She also thanked the Goan Chaplaincy Priests for being there to celebrate Mass every year since year 2003.
Cake and traditional boiled grams with coconut pieces were served after Mass.
A social function was conducted after Mass and Bella Fernandes was the MC at the programme.
Goans take part in a get-together to mark the Feast of the Holy Spirit and the 21st anniversary of the Margao Union UK.
There were around 150 people at the social gathering and music was provided by the band ‘Outbreak’ and DJ Richie.
Councillor of Watford Rabi Martins, who hails from Varca, was the chief guest and in his address, praised the Margao Union UK committee for keeping up the tradition for 21 years. He also said that Goan culture is dying slowly and needs to be kept alive.
RJ Roque Vaz from Southampton was also a special guest and commended the founder members along with the various committees for keeping the union going strong for 21 years.
Olive Caterers provided hot and cold snacks as well as a big buffet with a variety of dishes for dinner.
As the function went on, a few of the children went around selling raffle tickets and the first prize was a garden furniture set donated by Jude Pereira. There were several other prizes like a standalone fan, Tefal set of pans, wine bottles, chocolates and premium biscuits from Marks & Spencer’s. Committee members also made donations for different things.
Brenda D’Silva came forward sang a song for the crowd.
“The Margao Union UK is proud of its existence in the UK ever since it started in 2003 with just a handful of members. Since 2003, we managed to keep the celebrations going every year even during the Covid pandemic,” said Bella.
“We encourage all youngsters from Margao to join the Union and eventually take over the Committee. We also invited everyone from Margao who are presently in the UK to come forward so that we can have an even bigger celebration on our Silver Jubilee. The beauty of our Feast celebration each year is that we have Goans and non-Goans joining us and they thoroughly enjoy Goan Food.”
“Guests have already told us that they had a great time and look forward to next year. With the blessings of the Holy Spirit, we will carry on celebrating the Feast every year and we look forward to the silver anniversary of the Margao Union UK.”
