Fr Renato Andrade, SFX, from Goan Chaplaincy UK, carries the statue of Infant Jesus in a procession after Mass to commemorate the 49th annual Infant Jesus Feast organised by the Colva Union UK in Heston-London.
LONDON
The Fama of the Infant Jesus is an annual tradition celebrated in Colva, and Colvekars who have relocated to the UK have carried this tradition with them.
The Colva Union UK celebrated the 49th annual Infant Jesus Feast at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, The Green, Heston, on October 19.
FEAST MASS
Fr Renato Andrade, SFX, from Goan Chaplaincy UK, the principal celebrant at the Feast Mass, spoke about the historical account of how a Jesuit priest Fr Benito Ferreira had found the statue and had brought it to the Church of Our Lady of Merces in Colva.
“Whatever may be the origins, people have great devotion and faith, and because of the favours received, this feast is not just celebrated in Goa but now also here in UK. The faith that has drawn people towards Infant Jesus in Goa has grown so much that people now gather together in faith in UK to celebrate the Colva Fama,” said Fr Andrade.
A 20-member choir led by Aldrich 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 President Elaine Fernandes thanked the congregation and expressed gratitude to all those who participated in the Mass.
Given the warm and sunny evening, a procession was conducted around 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, adjacent 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’ took the stage and rocked the dance floor, keeping everyone entertained throughout the evening.
Colva Union UK provided authentic Goan cuisine by Ali Rous, displaying an array of dishes such as pulao, sorpotel, chicken xacuti, roast beef and much more.
Members of the Colva Union UK committee united around a table to commemorate the occasion by cutting a cake.
President of Colva Union UK Elaine Fernandes then delivered a speech, underlining the dedication and hard work behind the event.
The chief guest was Clayton Barreto, S. Secretary to the High Commissioner, High Commission of India, UK.
The event was filled with spot prizes that added an extra layer of fun and anticipation. 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 32-inch TV, which was claimed by Delvin Fernandes.
THE GOAN | LONDON
Clayton Barreto, S. Secretary to the High Commissioner, High Commission of India, UK, has emphasised the need for Goans to keep their values, heritage, and culture alive in the UK.
In his address as chief guest at the 49th annual Infant Jesus Feast organised by the Colva Union UK in Heston-London, Barreto said his connection to Colva is deeply personal, as his mother hailed from Sernabatim in Colva.
“I was fortunate to spend many of my childhood days there, especially during my school breaks. One of my most cherished memories is the Infant Jesus Fama,” said Barreto.
“I’m sure many of you recall, the service at the Church and the long queues we stood in, waiting to venerate the statue of Infant Jesus. It was a moment of devotion, shared by so many. And after that, we would flock to the stalls – sweets, cadio bodio, games – it was an unforgettable experience. The sense of togetherness during those moments was truly special.”
Clayton Barreto, S. Secretary to the High Commissioner, High Commission of India, UK, while addressing the 49th annual Infant Jesus Feast organised by the Colva Union UK in Heston-London.
Barreto recalled that back at his mother’s home, his grandparents would be preparing a grand feast for the family.
“It was a time when relations would gather, and the house would be filled with love, laughter, and song. We’d have sing-alongs, and these moments of unity and celebration are ones I’ll carry with me forever.”
Barreto stated that while many Goans have moved away from Goa for various reasons, they must never forget that they are Goans at heart.
“It is essential that we keep our values, heritage, and culture alive, even here in the UK. No matter where life takes you, always remember that you are Goan, and that your origins are a part of who you are – they will never change,” said Barreto.
“Let us continue to celebrate and preserve our Goan identity, for ourselves, and for the generations to come.”
Before ending his speech, Barreto also welcomed Fr Renato, the new priest in the Goan Chaplaincy UK, on behalf of all Goans to the UK.
