LONDON
Zuemkars in UK (Villagers of St Estevam, Goa) organised the feast of their patron saint, St Stephen, in London with a Thanksgiving Mass on December 26.
Villagers of St Estevam and guests from London and other parts of UK like Slough, Orpington, Swindon, Sunningdale, Milton Keynes, etc. attended the event.
Fr Renato Andrade, Chaplain of Goan Chaplaincy UK was the main celebrant at the Thanksgiving Mass at the St Rafael’s Catholic Church, Hayes-Yeading in London.
The ‘Zuemkars in UK’ village community organised the 6th St Stephen’s social after the thanksgiving mass at the St Rafael’s Church Hall, which provided an opportunity for the villagers to come together and celebrate the Feast in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
UK’s popular Goan Band ‘Rhythm Mates’, one-man band AGGY D, and DJ Syncalir Varella (both originally from St Estevam) played for the social. Their performances kept the audience engaged throughout the evening.
Fr Renato Andrade was felicitated during the function by the St Stephen’s community in the UK in appreciation of his pastoral service and support.
Simon Varella, a popular MC for Goan social events in the UK and who also hails from the village, compered the event. A buffet spread with Goan delicacies was catered by Fredy Wilfred of Mum’s Delight Caterers for the function.
A raffle draw was organised during the social, with 16 prizes given away. The lucky entrance ticket prize was won by Antonette Fernandes. The prize for the most elegantly dressed couple was awarded to Neclina Varela and Marvin Fernandes, sponsored by Augusto Afonso.
Steve Varela sang a nostalgic song that brought back fond memories for many in the audience. The social was fully booked a week before the feast, reflecting the strong interest and participation from the community.
“For every Zuemkar, the patron feast is very important, wherever we may be based. The villagers come together as one community to celebrate the feast of our patron. The support from our villagers in UK has always been overwhelming. We thank all our villagers for their generosity and support. The feast gives an opportunity for Zuemkars in UK to meet up with their fellow villagers” said Simon Varella of the admin team.
‘Zuemkars in UK’ contributed generously towards the expenses of both the feast and the social. Several spot and raffle prizes were also donated by villagers.
The gathering highlighted the strong sense of unity and pride among ‘Zuemkars in UK’, making the celebration of the feast of their patron a meaningful experience for all.
The Admin. Team of ‘Zuemkars in UK’ comprising Agnelo Dias, Simon Varella, Ervel Dias, Neclina Varela and Janeckza Afonso take on the responsibility to start planning the feast ahead from a couple of months.
Formed in May 2000, the ‘Zuemkars in UK' is a group of about 100 Zuemkars residing in UK. The aim is to stay connected with the villagers in the UK and share information about the village, the activities, functions and happenings back home in St Estevam.
'Zuemkars in UK' make a point to get together at least once a year on December 26 to celebrate the Patron’s feast. The villagers support the village institutions as and when the need arises.
The first social was organised by the villagers of St. Estevam in UK in 2015 under the leadership of late Pedrinho Fernandes.
