Goan Association of Hudson Valley celebrate Feast of St. Francis Xavier
Peekskill (New York) ---On December 6,2008, the Goan community of the Hudson Valley in upper New York State organized a function to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, the Patron of the East. The program began with a Mass at the Church of the Assumption at Peekskill. The bilingual Mass was attended by over 250 members of the community not only from Peekskill but also other cities of New York such as Yorktown, White Plains etc. The beautifully sung Konkani hymns and the Bible reading were a joy to hear especially in this cold corner of the earth..a long, long way from the heat of Goa. During the Mass prayers were also said for the repose of the soul of Boris Rego whose life was so tragically taken way by terrorists in Bombay. The Goan community settled in this area, about two hours north of New York City, in the early 70's and now comprise of about 90 families totaling about 350 individuals. About seven years ago an association was founded, namely, the Goan Association of Hudson Valley to hold community activities and ingrain into the coming generation various aspects of Goan culture. After the Mass, the faithful descended to the large basement of the church for a get together. The President of the Association, Mr. Louis D'Souza, in a short address outlined the aims of the associations and its future plans. He called upon the community for their continued support and informed all present that the website of the Association, www.goany.org was up and running. He also introduced, a visiting nun, Sr. Marilla D'Souza, a sister of the Loreto community who is currently attached to the UN as sister's congregation holds NGO status with the world body. Sr. Marilla hails from Tivim as does the president of the Association. Later, to the beat of Western and Konkani music the members took to the floor and after wearing themselves out partook of a sumptuous spread of mouth-watering Goan dishes prepared by the members themselves. The Association plans a New Year Eve dance as its next activity. Michael Ali White Plains, NY
