By Deepak Pereira Team Mangalorean Oman

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Sohar (Oman), September 9, 2009: There was joy and excitement in the air as both the Mangalorean and Goan communities of St. Anthony’s Church Sohar, came together to celebrate the feast of the Nativity of our Lady on the 9th of September 2009.

The Celebration began at 8.15 pm with a thanksgiving rosary at the Mother Mary’s grotto, where all the Mangalorean and Goan community members got together. Soon after the rosary, all the children showered flowers with enthusiasm and zeal.  When they all sang the hymn ‘Moriyek Hogolsiyan’ it re-kindled some nostalgic memories of the celebrations back home in Mangalore.

All the faithful then proceeded towards the church in a solemn procession. The high mass was celebrated by the visiting priest Rev Fr. John Harry D’Souza (Editor in Chief of Sevak Magazine in Mangalore) along with Rev Fr. Albert D’ Silva and Rev Fr. George Vadukkut.

The beautiful choir in Konkani was led by Mr. Franky Monis , Godwin   and his team members and this added to the celebratory spirit of the mass.

As was the practice every year, a birthday cake was cut after mass to celebrate our divine mother’s birthday.

All the faithful then gathered at the church hall to have the blessed Novem. A variety of vegetable items were prepared by all the community members. Mr. Peter Menezes compared the show. There were a few cultural programes put up by the community members

Vote of thanks was given by Mr. Richard Alwyn D’ Souza, who thanked all the priests and community members for making this event a great success. Mr. D’Souza has always been a pillar of strength behind the success of bringing the Mangalorean community together in Sohar.

Giveaways were distributed to all the children present at the celebration. The programe concluded with a promise of meeting again next year.

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