Cultural Events Mark Noven Jevan Hosted by Our Lady of Rosary, Qatar
By Alexis Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Sep 11: The Konkani speaking committee of the Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Qatar under the guidance of the spiritual director Fr Anand Castelino organized the Noven Jevan at the Seraphic Hall on Thursday September 9 at 6 pm.
The evening began with a prayer song by children’s Konkani choir under the guidance of Dony Lobo and Sofia Crasto. Fr Anand welcomed the gathering. Reena Castelino was the host for the evening.
Fr Peter, parish priest of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Doha was the chief guest and Fr Santhosh Rodrigues, the visiting priest (director, Family Life Service Centre, Diocese of Mangalore) who conducted the Novenas was the guest of honour. The other guests on the dais were Pirgintt Alfred and Rita Sequeira, Konkani hymn singing competition sponsor Jerald D’Mello and Ekvott newsletter sponsor Joe Carvalho.
Prakash Noronha and Riana Pinto conducted the honouring ceremonies of Fr Santhosh Rodrigues, and Pirgintt Alfred and Rita Sequeira, respectively. Fr Peter honoured them with mementoes and shawls. John Desa led the prize distribution ceremony for the winners of the Konkani hymn singing competition.
Fr Anand Castelino praised the committee members and the volunteers for their dedication and team effort in organizing this event. Fr Peter spoke about the service and contribution of the Konkani speaking community to the parish and appreciated its involvement in the parish activities.
Alfred thanked the organisers for giving him an opportunity to sponsor the programme. Fr Santhosh invoked the lord of the harvest and the roce with nove was served to all. Fr Santhosh spoke on the occasion and thanked the gathering for giving him the opportunity to spend some time with the parishioners of Qatar.
The Little children danced to the tunes of “Novench Jeevan” from the “Bhogsane” Konkani movie, composed by the legendary late Wilfy Rebimbus while the teenagers danced to the tunes of the Konkani number “Shirandaricho Paavs.” Sanchia Fernandes beautifully sang the Konkani number “Molba vailo Dhov.” Konkani play “Aadunik Kazarachi Dhothorn” written and directed by Vivian D’Souza Bondel was staged on the occasion. Roshan Pinto, Camilo Gauncar, Wilma D’Souza, Glylon Rodrigues and Vivian D’Souza Bondel were part of the comedy skit which was truly enjoyed by all.
Reena Castelino conducted spot games and kept the audience entertained with humour. All winners of the spot games were awarded prizes.
KSC president and well-known singer Veena Rebimbus Pais proposed the vote of thanks.
More than 800 people were present for the celebrations. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the evening with jokes, spot games, Konkani questions, creative claps and bingo. The evening concluded with a delicious vegetarian dinner.