THE GOAN NETWORK | LONDON
After a gap of three years, members of the Goan community hailing from Siolim came together as the Siolim Union (London) celebrated its 40th Anniversary Feast of St Anthony of Padua at Shirley Parish Hall in Croydon, Surrey, on June 18.
A Mass was officiated by Rev Fr Patrick D’Souza of Sts Peter & Paul Church, Mitcham, and in his homily, mentioned that people in Lisbon say, “St Anthony of Lisbon” and people in Padua say “St Anthony of Padua”, while people of Siolim says “St Anthony of Siolim”.
After Mass, the members congregated for a get-together and all present were allocated a table in advance at the fully booked event.
The catering was done by Shirley’s Kitchens with snacks and buffet lunch and people could help themselves to all dishes. Lynette Confait handed the desserts while Loretta and Wendy Fernandes ensured that the children were comfortable with their snacks, meal, sweets, etc.
St Anthony’s love for the poor was expressed by the committee in distributing the bread which was St Anthony’s popular way for people to emulate the spirit of the saint when he fed the hungry.
Music was provided by ‘Nite Life’ with English, Konkani and Kiswahili songs and the MC Maria Athayde kept the crowd entertained with several price dances, raffle, etc. A Goan gentleman sang Alfred Rose’s song “A Lady from Goa” which presented that special Goan atmosphere like being in Goa.
Siolim Union (London) President Eugene Fernandes welcomed the members and guests on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary Feast. He mentioned that they could not celebrate their feast for the last three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and remembered their members and guests who lost their lives due to the pandemic.
Given the appreciation and interest among members and their guests, larger hall will be proposed for the next year’s social to celebrate the feast of their patron saint.
When contacted, Fernandes said the Siolim Union (London) in the past has helped the poor and disadvantaged children in Siolim with books and school uniforms.
“The Siolim Union has also helped the children’s orphanage home and the old people’s home in Siolim on many occasions. The Mass collection which was £224.44 will be sent to St Anthony’s Church in Siolim, with a request for the Parish Priest to offer a Mass for the well-being of all present at the feast," he said.
