Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendia along with members of the Goan community at the Christmas celebration of the High Commission of India at the India House, Aldwych, London, on December 12.
LONDON
A special Christmas cake baked by acclaimed UK Goan pastry chef, Clanny Rodrigues was one the highlights at the Christmas celebration of the High Commission of India at the India House, Aldwych, London, was held on December 12.
The 10-kg cake, which was widely appreciated by the hosts and guests alike, had been organised by Clayton Barreto, Social Secretary to the High Commissioner at the High Commission of India in London.
The chief guest at the Christmas celebrations hosted by High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami was Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendia. A number of Goan guests included Canon Norbert Fernandes (the first Goan-origin canon in Westminster Cathedral), Swindon Mayor Imtiyaz Sheikh along with his wife and Councillor Adorabelle Amaral, former Watford mayor and sitting Councillor Rabi Martins, Mary Anne Cordeiro (Chair of Joseph Rufino Cordeiro Foundation), Priests from the Pilar Fathers, Fr Stephen Dias (Parish Priest of Ss. Peter and Paul, Mitcham and Local Superior of Pilar Fathers in UK), Fr Jerry Fernandes (Assistant Parish Priest of Ss. Peter and Paul, Mitcham), Fr Feroz Fernandes (Parish Priest of St Vincent de Paul Church, Osterley), and Fr Renato Andrade (Goan Chaplian, for the Dioceses of Westminster, Southwark and Brentwood), and members of the GOA UK Association.
The event began with jazz and Christmas carols with a 14-member Bernardo Music Group. India’s international tenor opera singer Anando Mukerjee sang a number of songs and popular Christmas carols.
Archbishop Buendia, who is the representative of His Holiness Pope Francis in the UK, switched on the Christmas lights on the ground floor at India House and later cut the cake to start off the celebrations.
Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendia cuts the Christmas cake in the presence of High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami.
In his address to the gathering, Archbishop Buendia conveyed the blessings of Pope Francis to all gathered at the event.
In his address, Doraiswami stated that Christmas is celebrated in equal gusto all over India by all members and communities, who have recognised the message of Christ which came to India almost 2,000 years with the arrival of an apostle.
Adding that the Christmas message of hope, joy, love and sharing reminds people of their common humanity across the world, Doraiswami wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
On the occasion, the Agricultural and Proceed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) showcased Indian F&B produce, including coffee, mulled wine, Indian snacks and desserts. Also, Indian whisky was served for the occasion.
The Christmas cake, muffins
UK Goan pastry chef Clanny Rodrigues, who earned global fame after becoming the runners-up at the 2020 Bake Off Professional TV series, said he had baked the two-tier chocolate cake which was approximately 10 kgs, and had decorated it with printed rice paper.
“The cake had a Christmas tree on the top with a hexagon base,” said Clanny.
Such was the appreciation that many guests helped themselves to a second helping of the Christmas cake.
The High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami thanked Clanny for his contribution to the Christmas Celebrations.
Added Clanny: “My other pastry included Indian spices, vanilla, cinnamon and chocolate muffins. I used Indian coffee for my preparation which also included a coffee-based mousse, showcasing that these spices can be used with various pastries,” said Clanny.
