PARIS
The Goan Association in Paris organised its annual São João celebration with a Mass at the Parish Church of Saint Dominique, 20 Rue de la Tombe Issoire, Paris on June 30 at 12.30 pm.
The event was organised by Goan Association in Paris committee members led by Camilo Felix Cardozo, president of the association.
The Mass in Konkani was celebrated by Fr Elvin Lopes from Honnavar-Karnataka, who is pursuing his theological studies in Paris.
Along with the children, Flaviana Fernandes (piano) and Renissa Fernandes (violin) led the choir while the liturgical parts were read by the children in Konkani.
After Mass, Goans proceeded to the Church hall for a party. The people danced to the tunes of Goan music initiated by DJ Mosses Rodrigues while Viona Cardozo compered the programme. There was a much-awaited housie, lottery, and guessing my weight (Jackfruit) conducted for all participants.
Andrea Bonifacio guessed the weight of the jackfruit and won it comfortably. The tombola was won by Lina Apontel, while the lottery was won by John da Costa. The surprise prizes were won by Valencio Alphonso, Cheryl Cardozo and Monica Gonzalez.
“Everyone interacted with each other and enjoyed the day. The programme enabled the participants to express gratitude to God for the gift of São João and thereby deepen the bonds of being Goans in a foreign land,” said Camilo Felix Cardozo.
