Konkani-speaking people gather to celebrate the Feast of Goencho Saaib at St Anthony's Church, Shivajinagar-Pune.
PUNE
The feast of St Francis Xavier has been celebrated all over the Catholic world, but Goans and for that matter for all the Konkani-speaking faithful have very special and distinct affection for their ‘Goencho Saib’.
The Goans have had a presence in Pune city since 1785 and it is no wonder all Konkani-speaking people here celebrate this feast fervently. Here are some glimpses of this year’s celebrations.
City Church (Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church)
The oldest Church built since 1792 celebrated the Feast Mass in Konkani. Another significance of this year’s celebration was the 99th anniversary celebration of the Goan Tailors Association (Alfiad Bhavanchi Sosiedad). Fr Lui Heredia was the main celebrant and over 150 faithful attended the service. Like every year, there was a colourful procession with people singing melodious Konkani hymns. The feast was concluded with a get-together.
St Ignatius Church, Khadki
The Khadki Goan Association celebrated the Feast at St Anthony’s Chapel on December 3. Fr Rozario Calicio, a Capuchin priest from Goa, celebrated the Mass in Konkani which was followed by Litany in Konkani. The feast was concluded with Fellowship Dinner and fun games. Over 110 people participated in the celebrations.
St Francis Xavier Church Chinchwad
Being the parish feast and the first pastoral visit of the newly appointed Bishop John Rodrigues, the Feast Mass was celebrated on a grand scale with eight concelebrant priests. The Mass was in English but the Rosary and the hymn were in Konkani. Around 1,500 people were present and the programme concluded with a fellowship meal.
St Patrick’s Cathedral
The Feast was celebrated with a Konkani Mass on December 4. Fr Simon D’Souza was the main celebrant with four other priests as concelebrants. The cultural programme was held in the Cathedral campus. Bishop John Rodrigues also witnessed this Konkani event along with 500 strong Konkani lovers. Snacks and tea was served to all.
St Anthony’s Church Shivajinagar
The Feast of Goencho Saaib was celebrated in the newly inaugurated Church on December 2. Fr Simon D’Souza celebrated the Feast Mass in Konkani which was attended by over 200 parishioners. Melodious Konkani hymns enthralled the Konkani lovers. A get-together with fun games was held in the school hall. Fr Simon sang the popular Konkani songs while playing the keyboard.
St Xavier’s Church Camp
The Feast was celebrated in this Church which has a strong and predominant Konkani speaking populace. Typical Goan food stalls and various fun games gave the feel of the festivity. Around 750 Konkani faithful enjoyed the Goan cuisine and variety entertainment programme.
Divine Mercy Church Vadgaon Sheri
The Feast Mass was celebrated on December 5 and Bishop John Rodrigues was the main celebrant. The Divine Mercy Konkani Kristi Sabha is organising this celebration for last 10 years.
Other parishes in Pune also celebrated the feast of St Francis Xavier.
