Report and pics from Maria Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai (GA)

Dubai, Nov 4: Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao of Goa and Daman visited the United Arab Emirates from October 10 to 18, 2008. Prior to his arrival in Dubai he was in Muscat, Oman from October 8 to 10. The long-awaited maiden visit of the Archbishop was meaningful and a memorable one. All the Goan folks were very fortunate to have him in their midst. 

He arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Friday October 10, 2008 from Muscat. He was in the UAE at the invitation extended to him by St Mary’s Goan Sodality in Dubai.  After his arrival at the airport, he was escorted to St Mary’s Parish Church Dubai and was introduced to the parish priest Fr Peter P M and the Spiritual Director of SMGSD, Fr Freddy D’Souza.

It was a coincidence that the day he arrived in Dubai, he had the opportunity to attend the All Goa Inter-Village Football Tournament finals held between Vaxim-Divar and Cansaulim at the Iranian Club. Cansaulim won by 2-0.  The Archbishop spoke a few words on the occasion and distributed the prizes.

 October 11, 2008 was set aside for a meeting with the St Mary’s Goan Sodality Core Team Members and other Goans from various walks of life. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the issues faced by Goans while being away from home and also to seek advice and guidance from the Archbishop. The meeting lasted for two hours and was attended by the village leaders and some prominent Goans. The main topic that was widely discussed at this meeting was about the unity among Goans in the UAE. Various views were put forward and The Archbishop shared his views and, above all, stressed the need to grow spiritually which will then ultimately help one to achieve goals. At the same time he praised the Goans for their good hearted nature and advised to broaden one’s horizons and think not only about self but also of others. The meeting helped the devotees to nurture the not-so-strong beliefs that some of us had and helped to renew and strengthen our spirit to achieve the goals.

In the evening, he presided over a Solemn Concelebrated Mass in Konkani at 8.30 pm at St Mary’s Church, Dubai. This Eucharistic celebration was organized by the SMGSD and the Church was packed to capacity. The choir was indeed excellent, conducted by Xavier Pereira. The Liturgy was headed by Jasbir Goes (Liturgy in-charge) and coordinated by the vice-president Sanford Mendes. After the Mass, many were fortunate to personally meet the Archbishop and seek his blessings. It was truly a joyous day for all. At the end of the day, we were filled with wisdom and knowledge from the humble Servant of the Lord. 

On October 12, 2008, he travelled 150 kms all the way to Fujairah. He was welcomed by Fr Michael Cardozo (a Goan Priest). He then visited a family in Kor Fakkan, to see a Goan boy who has been handicapped since birth. The parents of this boy were touched by his visit and his comforting words. Thereafter he celebrated a Solemn High Mass at 7:00 pm followed by a get-together and fellowship organized in his honour by the Goans of Fujairah Emirate.

The following day he travelled 160 km from Fujairah to the Ras Al Khaimah Emirate. On his way, he was taken to a date factory. When he reached RAK, he was received and welcomed by Fr Mathew Fernandes (a Goan Priest). In the evening, he celebrated a Solemn High Mass in Konkani at 7.30 pm followed by a reception and fellowship by the Goan community of RAK. 

On October 14 2008, he returned to Dubai and was taken on a short tour of the main landmarks of Dubai. Later in the evening, he visited the St Francis of Assisi Church at Jebel Ali. He received a warm welcome from Fr Johnson on behalf of Fr Eugene Mattioli who was away on holidays. He celebrated a Solemn Mass in Konkani at 8:30 pm for the Konkani congregation.  The Eucharistic celebration was followed by a felicitation and fellowship programme in the basement St Clare's hall organized by the arish Konkani-speaking leaders. The evening ended with a friendly, loving and enjoyable atmosphere with Goan “Mandos” sung by the Goan Sodality Team and the prominent members of the parish.

After spending the night at Jebel Ali parish church, he then travelled another 150 kms to Abu Dhabi - the Capital of the UAE. He was accompanied by our prominent Goans and a couple of members of the Goan Sodality Team.

 When he reached Abu Dhabi parish, he was welcomed by Bishop Paul Hinder at the Bishop’s House. He and Bishop Paul Hinder exchanged greetings followed by lunch. Later they met privately and discussed matters of common interest and concern. 

Later in the evening, he celebrated Holy Mass in English on the feast of St Theresa of Avila and Novena to Mother of Perpetual Succour. After the Eucharistic Celebration, the Archbishop met many Goans and other Konkani-speaking faithful from Karwar and Mangalore. All the faithful were touched by his grace, warmth, love and winning smile.  

The following day on October 16, 2008, he made his way back to Sharjah parish, where he was welcomed by Fr Ani Xavier, the parish priest and Fr Dinesh Mendonca (a Goan Priest). He celebrated the Holy Mass in Konkani at St Michael’s Church, Sharjah at 7.30 pm followed by a felicitation and fellowship programme. The next day morning at 9 am, he concelebrated mass in English for all the Sharjah Parishioners.

The last leg of his visit was back in the Dubai Church. The main final event of the day i.e. Friday, 17th October 2008 started with a Konkani Eucharistic Service at 2.00 pm at St Mary’s Church Dubai.  The mass was organized by the Konkani Charismatic Group “Novem Jerusalem” and was attended by a large number of Konkani-speaking brethren. Following this solemn Eucharistic Celebration, H.E. spent an hour meeting and greeting the Goan public. This particular time was dedicated to all the Goans who were mostly working in domestic, construction and field trade. His Grace was very accommodating and patient and made sure that he did not disappoint anyone.

The main cultural programme organized by St Mary’s Goan Sodality Dubai, began at around 4:30 pm. and was compered by Simon Varella with his usual humour and wit.

This was followed by a welcome song by Xavier Pereira. Jerry D’Souza and David Fernandes sang a duo titled “Sambav Kor Bhurgeacho.” A Goan Kunbi Dance and a Western Dance performance (A combo of Salsa/Latin & Jive) to the song of Remo’s “Maria Pitache” were put up by the St Mary’s Goan Sodality Youth. Krystal Fernandes and Natasha Barreto did a brilliant job in bringing out the best in the dancers. Indeed, the youth of Dubai showcased the true Goan spirit of being entertainers. A duet, “Ekuch Put Mozo” was sung by Sanio Fernandes and Ralston Rodrigues and a solo performance by Xavier Pereira based on the “Internet” which sent the audience in peals of laughter.

The comedy song “Sobit Amchem Goa” by Rafael Rodrigues and Sanio Fernandes also caused a laugh riot.  Manu Ferns sang a solo song “Devosanv,” while Agnelo Fernandes rendered a beautiful song with superb scenes titled “Patok.” The short skit titled “Ostori” by Navita Barreto and her troupe had the audience glued to their seats till the very last bit.

The felicitation programme included the presentation of the SMGSD report by Cajetan Coelho, president-SMGSD, who briefed on the achievements of the SMGSD. Thereafter Fr Freddy D’Souza, the spiritual director of the SMGSD addressed a few words to the gathering. Sr Superior, Luciana (Comboni Sisters) of St Mary’s Catholic High School also spoke on the occasion and Praveen Viegas (Ex-President, SMGSD) proposed the vote of thanks. The Felicitation function concluded with the Dubai-based Goan band “Reunion” playing some foot-tapping Konkani, Portuguese and English songs. Dinner was served and the function concluded at around 9.45 pm with all those present taking with them unforgettable memories of the time spent with beloved Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao of Goa and Daman.

On18th October, 2008, H.E. celebrated Holy Mass for the Youth at 5 pm at St. Mary’s Church, Dubai. Same evening the Core Group of SMGSD with their families along with their Spiritual Director, Fr. Freddy D’Souza had a small get together to thank H.E. for accepting their invitation and giving in return so much more to all the faithful and Goans in particular, to lead a life filled with humility and love through his example. His Excellency’s simplicity, concern and humility have deeply touched Goans and all the faithful in the U. A.E.  It was a moment of sadness to bid adieu to the humble servant of God. 

His Excellency left Dubai on 19th October, 2008 on a direct flight to Goa. Many of the St Mary’s Goan Sodality Core team Members came to see him off and bid goodbye at the Dubai International Airport.