The Konkani Friends Team who initiated to organize the Saint Mary's Feast UK have accomplished it with flying colours. The team comprising of Mr. Raj Francis Pereira ( L to R ) the founder of the Konkani Friends Group and the association from the lake district of UK "Carlisle", the communication coordinator of the Association, with Mr. Santhosh Pinto the Cultural Secretary from Manchester, Mr. Ronald Lobo the President from Manchester, Mrs. Lucy Lobo the secretary from Manchester and Mrs. Marina Monis the Vice President from Warrington UK.
Konkani Friends Association will now start to function under the banner of KCA-UK effective from September 8, 2005.
The ceremony commenced with the blessings of the corn by Fr.Pius Pinto at the "St.Kentigern's RC church in Manchester" followed by the Konkani Mass. Fr. Pius Pinto gave the assemblage, the theosophy into the derivations of this feast and its accent to every Konkani Catholic. It was a congenial moment to espy all the Konkani families taking leave from their day to day activities and extend their whole hearted support to make this auspicious occasion a successful one. "Konkans united together in UK have done this successfully adding more colours to Manglorean Culture" says - Konkani Friends Team.
The mass was made more vivacious by the awesome choir followed by the active participation of all the members gathered on this occasion. The culminating music from Mr. Mukesh, Mr. Prakash Bennis, and team members made the entire commemoration more vigorous also bringing joy to the hearts of the entire congregation
The celebration further endured with the social gathering in the adjacent social club by many more attendees. The event began with a prayer and serving of milk flavoured with a blessed new corn.
"The entire function was brilliantly compeered by Mr. Prakash Bennis followed by Mr. Ronald Lobo & Mr. John who took the lead in introducing the congregation who had come from different parts of UK".
Fr. Pius Pinto, who had travelled all the way from London, in his speech pointed out that there is a great need for every catholic individual to come forward and show their leadership qualities. Food and refreshments were soon followed by merriment provided by various jokes,songs,and skits presented by the Nottingham team members. The entire session was concluded by the bingo ( Housie - Housie) which attracted many prize winners followed by vote of thanks from Mr.Raj Francis Pereira. The organizing committee thanks Fr. Robbert Crasta and Fr. Pius Pinto for all their support, and all those for their time, support and suggestions offered in making this day a successful celebration of the feast of Nativity of Our Lady The next event " Konknim Ekvot" will be hosted by KCA-UK on the 28th of December 2005. The Occasion of Christmas is proposed to be clubbed with the First Anniversary of Konkani Friends.