Report & Pictures By Nishnath Joyappa
London Sep, 14: The Nativity feast ( Monthi Saibinichem Festh) celebrations was celebrated by Mr & Mrs Richard and Christine Lobo and family consecutively for the 13th year in succession on 13th September 2009 at 13:30 hours at 20 Salmon Street, London NW9 8PN .
Dr. Cheryl Lobo welcomed the assemblage and also briefed about the programme of the day.She also gave a brief insight on the theme of the nativity.
Rev.Dr.Pius Fidelis Pinto, the managing trustee of Samanvaya Managlore was the main celebrant and Rev. Fr. John from Tanzania was the co-celebrant. Rev.Dr.Pius Fidelis Pinto venerated mother Mary along with the children and the assemblage with the hymns "Sakkad Sanagatha Melieam" and "Morie Hogolsieam" followed by the Eucharistic Celebrations. Rev.Dr. Pius Fidelis Pinto thanked Mr.Richard Lobo and family for being an instrument of gathering Konkani Catholics in and around London for the last 13 years. It is indeed an selfless effort that we all need to recognize he said.
The first reading was read by Dr. Cheryl Lobo and the second by Keith Lobo. This was followed by the homily by Rev.Dr.Pius Fidelis Pinto. He explained the history of the feast of Nativity.. He stressed the need for a family spirit and the respect for the tradition which has been handed down for centuries. He explained the role of a woman in a family and in the society.
The holy mass was followed by a family get to gather in the at 20 Salmon Street, London NW9 8PN. Rev.Fr.John led a short prayer and the "Novem" was served to all the members followed by the delicious lunch. There were 233 members who participated in the celebration. The entire programme was well compeered by Mr. Ritesh Walter Lobo.