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December 4th 2004 saw the celebration of the St. Francis Xavier Feast at the St. Francis Xavier Church in Mississauga. This is the fourth year that the Friends of St. Francis Xavier have hosted this celebration. The hard work of the President, Francis (Frank) Fernandes and his wife Lucy together with the whole committee paid off. The whole event was well organized.
This year�s celebration was special for three reasons.
1) It combined the efforts of the Friends of St. F.X. with the Sons & Daughters of the (Nairobi) Goan Tailors Society. An excellent way to bring the community together.
2) It coincided with the Fifth Anniversary of the church � the only one in Canada to have the privilege of being blessed with a holy relic of the Saint.
3) It was Monsignor Terence D�Souza�s � the Pastor�s � birthday.
Before the celebration commenced new red satin sashes bearing the embroidered emblem of the Friends of St. F.X. were blessed and presented by Mnsgr. Terence D�Souza to all present and past officers of the Friends of St. F.X.
The celebration began with a Solemn Procession of the relic of the Saint around the parking lot of the church. The President of the Friends of St. F.X. carried the holy relic. The Konkani Choir, located behind the banner of the Friends of St. F.X. in the procession sang hymns to the accompaniment of a guitar. The day was very cold with very cold wind gusts. No a day to drag one�s feet!
Once in the warmth of the church, the choir took its position beside the altar and in good voice, sang the entrance hymn. The High Mass was con-celebrated by Mnsgr. Terence D�Souza and Rev. Fr. Lazlo Nagy together with Deacon Cannon and Deacon Goes.
The choir led by Romeo Remedios was nothing short of fantastic � accompanied by piano and guitar. It felt like being in Goa � except for our warm clothes.
The Mass was well attended by local Goans and others. It had its share of pomp provided by the Knights of Columbus � 4th Degree � led by Commander Sir Anthony X. D�Souza together with the Knights and wives of the Holy Sepulchre. Mnsgr. D�Souza�s homily focussed on the life of St. F.X. and on the need for family values � especially in today�s world which seemingly celebrates individuality - to the detriment of the family. He spoke at length on the subject of unity and how important it was for the community to be united. This is what St. F.X. wanted and that is what we should be aspiring to.
Following the Mass, the President of the Friends of St. F.X., Frank Fernandes went up to the pulpit and addressed the congregation. He thanked Mnsgr. D�Souza for his support and formally welcomed the Son & Daughters of the Tailor�s Society as joints hosts. He finished by asking the congregation to joining him in the traditional �Bessao� song dedicating it to Mnsgr. D�Souza.
Following the Mass, the holy relic of St. F.X. was exposed to the congregation. Each came up and kissed the holy relic. The congregation then adjourned to the Fr. Terence D�Souza Hall where the celebration continued where traditional Goan food, snacks and other articles with a Goan flavour were on sale.
An enjoyable day. Next year, December 3 falls on a Saturday and this means (hopefully) a bigger nad better celebration. Next year�s President is Francis D�Souza. I am sure that he and his wife Vikki will do a splendid job!
A final word to the tower of strength - and indefatigable - Mr. Lazarus Pereira. Without him, none of the celebrations to date would have taken place.
