The Colva Union UK committee members during the 48th annual Infant Jesus Feast at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, The Green, Heston, on October 21.
LONDON
The Fama of the Infant Jesus is an annual tradition celebrated in Colva and Colvakars who have relocated to the UK have carried this tradition with them.
The Colva Union UK celebrated the 48th annual Infant Jesus Feast at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, The Green, Heston, on October 21.
FEAST MASS
Fr Feroz Fernandes, SFX, from Goan Chaplaincy UK, the principal celebrant for the Feast Mass, stressed to embrace greatness and celebrate faith through symbols as simple and delicate as the “Fama” thread.
“Colva holds a special place in Goa with its unique miraculous image of Infant Jesus. The Colva Fama, a pilgrimage dedicated to Infant Jesus, unites and inspires Goan people. The Colva Union UK serves as an extended family, keeping people together and celebrating faith in a Goan way,” said Fr Fernandes.
A 20-member choir, led by Aldrich, Kimberly and Pelazia, led the congregation in the hymns, while the readers, altar servers, and Eucharistic ministers ensured a seamless and spiritually enriching service.
At the end of the Mass, Colva Union UK Treasurer Avrill Fernandes thanked the congregation and expressed gratitude to all those who participated in the Mass.
Despite unfavourable weather conditions, a procession, initially planned outdoors, was instead held inside the church, with the congregation participating wholeheartedly.
Attendees then had the opportunity to kiss the statue of the Infant Jesus, symbolising their devotion and receiving the blessed cord (bentina) as a token of the spiritual experience.
DINE AND DANCE
The celebrations then continued with a vibrant dine and dance event at the Pope John Centre, next to the church.
The two hosts, Russell Rodrigues and Antonio Fernandes, added an extra dose of liveliness to the evening, while the band ‘Treble Makers’, considered one of the best Goan bands in the UK, took the stage and rocked the dance floor, keeping everyone entertained throughout the evening.
Colva Union UK committee members Gabriel and Noemia Fernandes provided authentic Goan cuisine, displaying an array of dishes such as pulao, sorpotel, chicken cafreal, roast beef and much more.
Members of the Colva Union committee united around a table to commemorate the occasion by cutting a cake.
President of Colva Union UK Saby Fernandes then delivered a speech, underlining the dedication and hard work behind the event, while the chief guest, Fr John Tabor of Our Lady and St Christopher Church Cranford, delivered his address in Konkani.
Honouring their influential work in uplifting the UK Goan community, Judith Pacheco and Bella Fernandes were celebrated as guests of honour. They also served as judges for the best-dressed lady, with Aniska Oliveira winning the prize.
The event was filled with spot prizes that added an extra layer of fun and anticipation. These included prizes for the best-dressed lady, the woman with the longest belt and the man who daringly stepped onto the dance floor first, sporting a woman's heel. There were many more surprises in store, creating an atmosphere of lively and unexpected enjoyment.
Raffles added an extra element of excitement, with prizes ranging from air fryers and wine hampers to sandwich toasters, culminating in the grand prize, a 42-inch TV, which was claimed by Kimberly Rodrigues.
As the night drew to a close, the festivities took an exciting turn, as a few members took the stage for a karaoke session, with the crowd showing their support. Among those present at the event included GOA UK President Ravi Vaz and his wife.
The was widespread appreciation of the event and many commended the hard work and dedication of the Colva Union UK members, led by President Saby Fernandes.
