Fr Stephen Dias celebrates the feast Mass in the “Sacred Heart Church” hall.
THE GOAN NETWORK | LONDON
Cortalim Union (UK) celebrated its 45th anniversary with a function in Wimbledon on May 21.
Formed in 1978, Cortalim Union (UK) marked the feast of its church dedicated to two early disciples of Lord Jesus, Saint Philip and St James, who were among the original Twelve Apostles.
Fr Stephen Dias celebrated the feast Mass in the “Sacred Heart Church” hall and the congregation prayed for the souls of those who passed away over the last year, and those recovering from illnesses.
The service was then followed by a social gathering where the music was presented by “The Rifter’s” and “DJ Richiee”, which included a number of Konkani and Swahili songs.
One of the main attractions was a Salsa and Bachata performance by Sean Vickery from Passion4Salsa School of Dance, Sutton.
The bar was run by ‘CosCon Bar Services’, while Goan cuisine was provided by ‘Bernie’s Goan Catering’. Chris Da Cruz was the MC for the day and ensured that the day’s programme ran smoothly. A sapphire anniversary cake was made and donated by Lourdes Da Cruz.
The Cortalim Union (UK) committee present at the event were Diego Gomes (President), Chris Da Cruz (Treasurer), Georgina Gomes (Auditor), Aileen Fernandes, Tino Goes and Christopher Goes (Working Committee members). Annabel Collaco (Secretary) and Marisa Tellis were unable to attend due to bereavement and personal reasons.
The Cortalim Union (UK) committee: [From L to R] Aileen Fernandes, Georgina Gomes (Auditor), Diego Gomes, (President). Rita Gomes (Diego's wife). Behind them are Tino Goes, Christopher Goes, Lourdes Da Cruz and Chris Da Cruz (Treasurer).
In his speech, Diego Gomes summarised what the Union had achieved since it last held its function in 2019.
He asked all members to remember late Afra Collaco, wife of one of the founding members, Alvaro Collaco, who recently passed away. Diego thanked Fr Stephen Dias for celebrating the feast Mass and applauded those who travelled all the way from Sweden (Lucy Cabral, Alicia Cabral and Jana Buhler) just to be present at the event.
Recognising the efforts by the Cortalim Union’s partners, Diego presented ‘CosCon Bar Services’ and Bernie Fernandes with “Partner” awards for the years of support that they have extended to Cortalim Union (UK).
All joined in applauding Andrew Fernandes, co-organiser of the ‘Goan Super League’ for helping raise funds to support youngsters in Goa with football kits and for reaching out to a wider community from all kinds of backgrounds in the UK.
A special mention was also made of the first-ever online session held during the pandemic in 2021.
Diego ended his speech with a call to all members and the attendees to unite in maintaining their culture as he made a rallying call to all Cortalim and Sancoale villagers in the UK to join the Union to help take it forward.
Following the President’s speech, a brief presentation of the 2021 online session covering the Cake competition, interview with a UK based Tiatrist – Peter De Merces, and the online games held was shown.
Later in the afternoon, the guests were invited to a ‘head-to-head’ competition, where each table was given a ‘headed’ mannequin to dress with a few colourful items.
The occasion included a fund-raiser and raffle prizes, and through this initiative, Cortalim Union was able to raise over £800 in aid of its good causes. A lineup of young children tasked with picking up the lucky numbers supported Maria Dourado, Georgina Gomes and Chris Da Cruz in holding the raffle.
Cortalim Union (UK) supports activities in Goa and the UK
Cortalim Union (UK) has been sponsoring and supporting various programmes and initiatives in Goa and the UK.
- Raising over Rs 5 lakh for a van for Human Touch Foundation in 2021 to deliver food and HIV medicines to the needy across Goa, for which the Union received a Covid-19 Warrior Award.
- Leading the project to rename a road (“Rue Miguel Rod”) after the famous Tiatrist son of Cortalim – Miguel Rod.
- Engaging with Goan Welfare Society (GWS) who supported UK Goan families who lost loved ones during the pandemic.
- Sponsoring youth football teams at the 2021 and 2022 Goan Super League.
- Donating cash towards Aldona Association charitable causes at the association’s online event.
