LONDON
Goans in North London celebrated the Feast of St Francis Xavier with a Mass and social gathering at the Cypriot Community Centre in Woodgreen on December 8
Young children of few months to senior citizens over 80 years old from different parts of UK made their way to the Feast, as Goans showed their faith and devotion to their Goencho Saib.
Fr Renato Andrade, who had recently arrived to the UK as the Goan Chaplain, concelebrated the High Mass with a procession in the hall to bring the tradition from back home to the UK.
There was a Choir led by Inacio Joao and Valerie D’Souza along with some musicians from a band.
Fr Renato introduced himself as he was new to the congregation in North London and explained his job as a missionary.
After the Communion, Lydia D’Souza who is in her 70’s played the harmonica (mouth organ) and as she played a popular hymn, everyone began singing along with her music. Lydia received a round of applause from the congregation for her effort in playing the harmonica.
After the Mass, people gathered for a social event. Bella Fernandes thanked Fr Renato for celebrating the Feast Mass and Fr Renato went round the hall meeting and greeting people.
The band ‘Legacy’ was in attendance to provide music for the evening, while Bella was the MC at the event and kept the crowd entertained. Snacks were served by Suntop Caterers. There was a licenced Bar by Coscon.
Children under 6 years old who came in free were served a special children’s meal and were handed a party bag. All children were brought forward to dance and there were secret judges watching to pick the best dancers, who were presented with a prize.
Besides Fr Renato, four other priests also attended the gathering and they were all made welcome.
Jude Pereira who is currently heading the North London Goans Committee brought forward each of his working committee members, with an introduction to them. He spoke about Tony Rebello who used to be one of the main organisers of this Feast, but who had recently passed away, passing his legacy to Jude Periera and Bella Fernandes.
Both Jude and Bella brought in new working committee members, Vera Joanes, Cos Fernandes, John Fernandes, Robert Fernandes and Conrad Henriques. Jude intends to form a proper Committee next year.
A buffet comprising pulao, sorpotel, chicken xacuti, Chana masala and salad was served by Suntop caterers, while a dessert of traditional fruit custard was served to finish with the 3-course meal.
There were a number of Raffle prizes donated by many well-wishers. The function ended at 8pm with the blessings of St Francis Xavier and the Storm had subsided by then and it was much calmer than it was in the morning of the Feast.
