Canute Menezes, Shirva
Mumbai, Sep 9: On Monday September 8 evening , St Joseph’s Konkani Welfare Association, Mira Road celebrated the ‘Novem Jevann’ program in a traditional way. Baby Prisha and group welcomed the gathering with a dance. Then senior member of the association, Ronald D’Souza welcoming the gathering in a traditional way by offering ‘Panpod Udak.’
Small children offered flowers to Mother Mary. Before the ‘Novem Sevnche’, spiritual director of the association, Fr Nelson Pinto OCD conducted the prayers; thereafter, Noven was distributed to all.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr Nelson Pinto said that the feast of the nativity of our Lady is very dear to the Catholics of the Konkan coast. “Lots of sentiments are involved in it. It brings together all the members of the family. He congratulated all the members of the St Joseph’s Konkani Welfare Association who organized the wonderful programme, where all families of the parish have come together as members of one family.
Senior writers present for the occasion and sponsors of the programme were honoured with bouquets.
The members of St Joseph’s Konkani Welfare Association, Mira Road® entertained the gathering with dances and melodious singing. During the occasion, a small hilarious skits ‘Alice Dhanvle’ (written by Jerry and directed by Florine Mathias), ‘Interview’ (written and directed by Prasann Niddodi), ‘Pokhle’ (written and directed by Fr. Nelson Pinto and enacted by Fr Nelson Pinto and Fr Rajesh) ‘Lottery Laglya’ (directed by Hildabai) and ‘Gaayk Galhi’ (directed by Thomas) were enacted.
Arun Noronha invited all to dinner in the traditional way of ‘Jevnak Udak’. Vegetarian ‘Jevann’ (dinner) was served on a banana leaf and Lavdate was sung by the members of St Joseph’s Konkani Welfare Association at the end of the dinner. Arun Noronha, secretary of St Joseph’s Konkani Welfare Association, Mira Road® offered the vote of thanks. John Crasta (president), Lawrence Mathias (Treasurer), Fr Digo OCD were present on the dais.
Jerry D’Souza and Sofia D’Sa compered the programme.