USWAS Shirva celebrated the Nativity Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Monthi Fest) at Dubai on Thursday September 13, 2018under the leadership of President Roshan Menezes.

More than 150Shirva Parishioners were gathered to celebrate the Monthi fest. MC Herald Mathias the master of the ceremony briefed the gathering about the importance of Monthi Fest. A warm welcome was addressed to the gathering by the President Roshan Menezes.

The traditional celebration commenced with a procession headed by Paul & Lilly Menezes who carried the statue of infant Mary and ‘blessed Novem’, which was specially flown from Shirva parish for the occasion. Prayer to worship Mother Mary was led by Hazel Saldanha and Diana D’souza,followed by offering flowers by children, young and elders while singing the hymns ‘Sakkad Sangatha Mellyam’ and ‘Moriyek Hogolsiam’. Blessed Novem mixed in milk was served to all. Children were offered with sweets and gifts.

Three newly wedded couples from Shirva Parish Sandeep & Hazel Saldanha, Joy Kiran & Reema Medonca and Kevin & Jasmine Saldanha were honoured and blessed by Joseph Mathias and Leena Mathias on behalf of USWAS and Flower bouqet were presented to well wishers Mrs. Lavina Quadras & Family, Mr. Ivan D’souza & Family, Mr. Joel Tauro & Family, Mr. Thomas D’souza and Ruby Manezes & Family.

In his Speech, Chief Guest   Fr. Stephen Lewis, Asst. Parish Priest St. Michael Church, Sharjah  said that  during the days he was in Shirva he still feels attached and connected to USWAS and Shirva parishioners in UAE.  He said that he is overwhelmed by the love & affection showed by USWAS. He appreciated USWAS members for their service and helping many noble and charitable causes. He praised USWAS for its dedication towards the needy and wished success for its future.

The cultural programme commenced with a stunning dance performance by Riona and Annick. ‘Boskyambegaar’ team comprising Sharan D’souza, Manoj Menezes, Denis Mathias and Diana D’souza presented some excellent comedy skits. Band Eagles consisting our USWAS active member and music composer of Yo Moga fame – Prashant Sequeira along with Melwyn D’Souza and team entertained the crowd with some wonderful Hymns, Konkani songs.

Various spot games and Housie Housie were efficiently conducted for kids and adults by Vilma Saldhana, Diana D’souza. A sumptuous traditional vegetarian meal and vorn was served to all. The gathering made all the Shirva members to feel as a united family yet again.

Joel Tauro proposed vote of thanks.

Report & Pictures by : Oscar Rego

    

ICYM/YCS organised a cultural evening programme for all the parishioners of Shirva on 08-09-2018 from 4:00 PM till 6:15 PM. Several dances and songs were performed by ICYM/YCS members. The main attraction of the event was an exhibition of ancient traditional items like food, clothes, games, herbal medicines and other cultural expressions by Attinje Ward which grabbed the attention of the visitors. ‘HAKA KARAN KON ?’ was the skit performed by ICYM members and finally the prizes were distributed for the winners who won in various fun games organised on 26-07-2018. V. Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa addressed the huge gathering and appreciated the interest of the parishioners.

Pics by Arun Cabral

On the occasion of the Feast of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary, there was 9 days Novena for the preparation of the feast at Old Church Grotto from 9 days. Today (07-09-2018) was the last day of the Novena. So, all members of Porni Igarz ward and other neighboring wards gathered near the main road. Mr. Antony Fernandes welcomed the gathering. Assistant Parish Priest Rev Fr. Ashwin Aranha was a part of the programme. The procession began from main road till the Grotto of Mary. Rev Fr. Ashwin Aranha gave a message that this feast is closely related to our family. At last sweets and juice were distributed to all the people gathered.

Report by Samson Menezes

Pics by Arun Cabral

 

Nativity Feast celebrated with great devotion in Shirva Parish on September 8, 2018. The proceeding started at 8:30 AM from Hilary Rangamantapa. Many devotees witnessed this ceremony all over the globe as it was broadcasted LIVE on Facebook.

 

Our Lady of Health Church under commission for education organized Teachers Day Celebrations with all the teachers of Shirva Parish on 2nd September 2018 in Don Bosco English Medium School. V. Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca  (Parish Priesh Udupi Parish) was the Chief Guest. All the working as well as retired teachers were honoured during this programme by the Chief Guest and Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa (Parish Priest of Shirva Parish). Fr. Valerian Mendonca while addressing the gathering, presented his views towards the modern education system and suggested the teachers to be up to date with the current happenings over internet and its effect on the students. Mr. Norbert Machado compered the programme, Mr. Melwyn Aranha (18 Commission Coordinator) welcomed the gathering and Mr. Melwyn D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks. Mr. Wilson D’Souza, Mrs. Leena Machado and Mr. Julian Rodrigues were present during this programme.