Tag: St Francis Xavier Parish Duler

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.

#faith

St. Francis Xavier Parish, Duler Celebrates a Vibrant Day 1 of Christmas Fiesta

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Parish of St. Francis Xavier, Duler witnessed a vibrant and faith-filled beginning to its two-day Christmas Fiesta with the successful completion of Day 1 celebrations on January 3 at the St. Anthony School Grounds. Organised to encourage local talent while celebrating faith, relationships and culture, the event drew an enthusiastic response from parishioners and visitors alike.

The festive grounds came alive with food stalls, face painting counters, activity zones and various stalls, creating a warm and welcoming environment for families and children. The atmosphere reflected the true spirit of Christmas, marked by togetherness, joy and community participation.

Adding to the celebrations, parishioners took to the side stage to showcase their talents through soulful singing, expressive poetry recitations and energetic group dance performances. These presentations highlighted the creativity, confidence and cultural richness within the parish and were warmly appreciated by the audience.

From 6.30 pm onwards, the screening of the Konkani movie Mog Asum, by the makers of Nachoiam Kumpasar, added cultural depth to the evening and was well received by the gathering.

Addressing the audience, Chief Guest Joshua D’Souza, Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly and MLA of the Mapusa Constituency, described the event as a lively experience that enables people to connect with one another. He noted that such celebrations play an important role in fostering community bonding.

Day 1 of the Christmas Fiesta was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Joshua D’Souza, Guest of Honour Marwin Gomes, Chief Architect of the Public Works Department, Goa, Rev. Fr. Joaquim Fernandes, SVD, Episcopal Vicar (Religious) of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, and Wilson D’Souza, DySP and SDPO, Mapusa. The parish also expressed its appreciation for the presence of Bro. Edmund Peter Lemos, Chairperson of St. Anthony’s Institute, and Cyril Fernandes, President of the Catholic Association of Goa.

The Parish of St. Francis Xavier, Duler has invited everyone to be part of Day 2 of the Christmas Fiesta on January 4, featuring the tiatr ‘Don Dis Sonvsarantle’ by Ulhas Tari, with festivities continuing from 5 pm onwards. The parish extended heartfelt gratitude to all voluntee