The Konkan community of St. John the Baptist Church, Ruwais celebrated the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday September 7th, 2019. The event marked itself as the first Konkani-language spiritual celebration in the new parish.

The celebration started with the blessing of the new harvest and adoration of flowers, followed by an introduction and the church service. The Holy Mass was conducted by Fr. Wilson Rumao OFM Cap, Assistant Parish Priest and Spiritual Guide to the Konkani Community in St. Paul’s Church, Mussafa. Fr. Wilson delivered a powerful sermon which surely touched the hearts of all attendants. The statue of the infant Mother Mary radiated against the rows of chrysanthemum and jasmine! The crowd later gathered to feast on the ‘Novem Jovan’, rich in both taste and tradition, prepared with love by the Ruwais Ladies.

Ruwais is a city in the western region, 240 km west of Abu Dhabi. This event was coordinated by Vincent Joseph D’Souza along with the continuous effort and support by all members of the Konkani Community in Ruwais. We thank Parish Priest Fr. Thomas Ampattukuzy OFM Cap, for his encouragement and support. This inaugural occasion was crucial in maintaining our traditions and keeping them alive.