-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | Goanetters annual meet in Goa is scheduled for Dec 27, 2005 @ 4pm | | | |The Riviera Opposite Hotel Mandovi, Panjim (near Ferry Jetty/Riverfront)| | Attending.......drop a line to [EMAIL PROTECTED] | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Jen Lewis <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: IN AND AROUND ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH- VASCO DA GAMA-GOA -by Fr. Nascimento Mascarenhas
IN AND AROUND ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH- VASCO DA GAMA-GOA. More than four thousand faithful gathered in the Compound of St. Andrew's church for the Christmas Mid-Night Mass.The following members, all residents of Vasco representing their own faiths and communities were also present in a special place reserved for them in the first row. They are Mr. Budan Shaikh representing the Muslim Community; Mr. Kerma representative of the Buddist Community; Mr. Shorub Engineer of the Parsi Community, Mr. Jairam of the Sindhi Community; Mr. Natwar Sabhani of the Gujarati Community, Mr. Salman Singh representing the Silkh Community, Mr. Niazi Rayana representing Khoja Ismaily and Mr Nona and Mr. Nitin representing the Hindu Community . The members of these community took part in the Offertory Procession. Mr. Simon de Souza at the request of the Parish Priest Fr. Brito Furtado was instrumental in inviting these friends of different faiths and Communities. The theme of the Mass was "Jesus of the Blessed Sacrament be Born in our Homes".The main celebrant at the concelebrated Mass was the Parish Priest of St. Andrew's Rev Fr. Brito Furtado along with Frs. Pedro Miranda, Fr. Nascimento Mascarenhas anf Fr.Anthony Swami, a Capuchin Priest from Coimbatore who came here along with a huge group of catholics from Tamil Nadu The Church choir under the leadearship of Fr. Jean da Cruz Fernandes, the Assistant rendered various carols in different languages and helped the faithful in the community singing during the Holy Eucharist. The whole complex was tastefully decorated by the people from the wards of Mangor , Mangor Hill and Driver's Hill and were incharge of the celebrations this year.They also prepared the Liturgy of the Day Fr. Brito's message to the faithful was "Love one-other as Jesus loved us". Brother Elias Borges with youngsters put up a beautiful big star at the main gate while Deepak Fernandes our assistant sacristan, along with other Church personel, have displayed a huge crib that is already drawing crowds. At the end of the religious service a cake was cut by the representatives of various faith and Mr. Budan Shaikh ( Muslim) gave a short message of Peace and Good-will to all those assembled .There was coffee break and cake distributed too all by Mangor folks and free housie held. The judges were engaged in judging interward Christmas Tree Competition and individual Star Competition after the mass, while all wished each other a Happy and Blessed Christmas. The Brass band under the leadership of Mr. Pedro from Mundvell rendered tunes befitting the occassion.The chiming of the bells and fireworks brought the celebrations to a close. We wish one and all A Merry Christmas. Fr. Nascimento Mascarenhas. *~Jen Birmingham UK http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VascokarsUnited/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | | | | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --------------------------------------------------------------------------
