London: Fr. Agnelo's Day; 79th Commemoration Mass, Sunday 26th November 2006.
I went to Church on Saturday evening, came back smug and thought: 'I can have a nice Sunday Lunch ( courtesy of Chef Extradonaire, Lily ) and then start watching the Sunday Premiership football games on Sky Sports.' A couple of hours later, my wife tells me, we shouldn't have gone to Mass as we had forgotten, that we agreed, that we should attend Fr. Agnelo's 79th Anniversary Commemoration Mass on Sunday! Since a commitment was made that was it. Wife takes ages to get ready, I had already had a sh~*, shave and shower. With due respect and I did get a rollicking, she was cooking, as our Glen would need some sustenance after his Football game. So with patience thin, we left home at 1.55 p.m. , hoping to make it to St. George's Cathedral in time for the Mass schedule for 2.30 p.m. Although we are in South West London the traffic is bad and the distance is some ! Road works galore, with traffic allowed only on one side at a time, keeping my cool...just as well we attended Mass yesterday. We eventually arrived at 2.45 p.m.; amazingly, I find a parking slot right in front of the Church, I enquiringly, tell my wife that, it seems not many people will be attending ? Walking towards the Cathedral, I spy 'Colva's Elvis Presley' So we are in good company arriving late, I ask him if he has brought his, shake, rattle and rock, costume along ? Smile, smile. Enter through the wide doors and there, people mulling around at the back, Mass hasn't started, smile on the face of wife - 'I knew they would be starting late' - smile approvingly back - you are so smart, that is why I married you ! ( Thoughts ). Medals and missalette in hand we take our pew. The service eventually gets started, devoted congregation, fortissimo choir, very articulate conductor and a high pitched Soprano... I think. A tribute is paid to our late Patron, Bishop Charles Henderson, who is buried near the altar. The whole ceremony is conducted very solemnly and tastefully. Bishop Pat Lynch (very Irish) is happy to accept, to be our new Patron and will do everything in his power for the cause. Fr. Lucas our very polished Pilar Head, said his piece and Fr. Oliver, the Goan Chaplaincy (Pilar) did his usual to the great appreciation of all. Now on to the most important aspect of the Feast - a gathering in the Bishop Amigo Hall, there was standing room only for many, even though I am on the right side of 50, I gave up my seat! The benefactors abounded, the list went on and on. Funds raised at the Goan Festival amounted to a staggering £1,602.50. There were many who contributed, towards - the missal pamphlets, the drinks and most importantly the Goan caterers who gave freely 'feed the hungry' food, the helpers and the disco man. This is one event that truly binds us, Goans together, even those who hate my guts and there are many, who smiled and said hello ! The queue for the food was long, so I excused myself and told my wife, that my friend and I were off for a quick one to the pub. Got there and the Manchester United Vs Chelsea game was on. United were one up, so a quick order of pints, of a Guinness and a Stella and we started enjoying the game. We were not the only ones from the congregation there - on their way back to the hall were two other Goenkars. United were one up and I was not too happy. We left on the 70 minute mark with the scores level and my friend asking me, if he should buy me a drink. I had to tell him that we were driving back home and it was time to get some food down. A very nice occasion and many thanks to the Pilar Fathers who hold it together, all those lovely sponsors, especially from A.V.C. - Uniece Barros and her tribe - family & friends ! DEV BOREM KORUM. Gabe Menezes. London, England ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Goanet supports BMX, the alumni network of Britto's, St Mary's and Xavier's -- three prominent institutions in Mapusa, Goa. Events scheduled from Dec 16 to 21, 2006 For more details visit http://www.bmxgoa.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------
