Tag: Parish Celebration

Events in Goa

St. Francis Xavier Parish, Duler Hosts ‘SON-BORN 2.0’ Christmas Fiesta to Welcome the New Year

Tanisha Cardozo

St. Francis Xavier Parish, Duler began the New Year on a joyful and meaningful note by hosting the two-day Christmas Fiesta ‘SON-BORN 2.0’ on 3rd and 4th January 2026. The celebration brought together parishioners, families and visitors, creating a vibrant platform that blended faith, culture and community spirit.

Held at the St. Anthony School Grounds, the fiesta opened on 3rd January with a lively atmosphere featuring food stalls, children’s activities, face painting and community-run counters. Parishioners showcased their talents through music, poetry and group dance performances, reflecting the cultural richness and confidence within the parish. The first evening concluded with the screening of the Konkani film Mog Asum, adding a reflective cultural dimension to the festivities.

Chief Guest Mr. Joshua D’Souza, Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly and MLA of Mapusa, described the event as “a lively experience that allows people to know one another,” highlighting the importance of such gatherings in strengthening bonds within the community. Several dignitaries and clergy members were also present on the occasion.

The celebrations continued on 4th January with a variety of engaging activities, including cultural performances, Zumba sessions, youth-led game stalls and the SFX Cultural Pavilion, which showcased the creative and artistic abilities of parishioners. The highlight of the evening was the Konkani tiatr Don Dis Sonvsarantle by Ulhas Tari, staged before a packed audience and received with overwhelming appreciation.

Mr. Vijai Sardesai, MLA of Fatorda and former Deputy Chief Minister, praised the parish for promoting meaningful and positive entertainment. He noted that such initiatives play a vital role in strengthening community bonding and preserving Goa’s cultural heritage and Goemkarponn amid a rapidly evolving social landscape.

The parish expressed heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers, performers and attendees whose dedication and support made ‘SON-BORN 2.0’ a memorable and meaningful celebration, reinforcing the values of unity, faith and cultural pride.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Events in Goa

St. Francis Xavier Parish Celebrates Decennial Year

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The St. Francis Xavier parish is celebrating its 10-year anniversary as a parish church, elevated from a chapel on March 29, 2014. The Decennial celebration was initiated in April 2024 in the presence of His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao.

“Son-Born” Celebration

To commemorate this milestone, the parish has organized a 3-day celebration, “Son-Born”, which embodies the spirit of Christmas. The event aims to bring together parishioners to celebrate their growth as a community based on relationships and bonds formed over the past decade.

Event Highlights

  • 2 stages featuring live performances, including a special stage for children’s talents
  • Stalls showcasing parishioners’ skills, trades, and talents, including food stalls, resin art, face painting, and traditional pottery
  • Musical show by Lenoy Gomendes and his award-winning troupe
  • Tiatr by Roseferns titled “Sonvsar tumcho, amchem kitem?”
  • Screening of the superhit Konkani movie “Nachom-ia Kumpasar”

Special Guests and Felicitations

Each day will feature a Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Distinguished Guest, and Eminent Guest. The Chief Guest for Day 1 is Mr. Michael D’Souza, IAS and Secretary of Ladakh. The parish will also felicitate stalwarts who have rendered dedicated service to the faith community.

Partnership with Catholic Association of Goa

The parish is partnering with the Catholic Association of Goa (CAG) for this event, which promises to be a vibrant celebration of the parish community’s growth and heritage.