Fourth centenary celebrations of Aldona church conclude

With the pealing of the church bells, the curtain was brought down on the liturgical celebrations of the fourth centenary celebrations of Aldona church recently. Four prelates led by Patriach Archbishop Raul Gonsalves, Bishop Joseph Couto of Hyderbad (Pakistan), Auxilary of Mumbai Bishop Joseph Ferdinand Fonesca and Auxilary Bishop Felipe Neri Ferrao concelebrated with twenty priests who were either Aldoncars or associated with the Aldona Church parish.

I this homily, the Patriarch congratulated the parishioners for 400 years of faith which gave priests and religious including his Auxilary to the Archdiocese. He said the conclusion of the centenary coincided with the opening of the 3-year preparation for the jubilee Year 2000 AD. Therefore, the parishioners of the Aldona Church could be catalysts for a fitting observance of this year which is dedicated to Jesus, who speaks to us through various sources and hence calls for an alertness to respond.

The Vicar whilst thanking the main participants, remarked that what brought success to the year long celebrations was the chain fasting and prayers of the people who have been renewed by catechesis and appropriate activities. The generous response with service and funds have made this possible.

It was the cultural programme that brought the centenary year to a close. The variety programme in Konkani and English displayed a lot of talent and ability. The highlight of the evening was a play on Aldona village by the writer/producer/director Prof. Isabel Santa Rita Vaz. With modern costumes, choreography and a  commentary that was eloquent and inspiring she brought home the uniqueness of Aldona, and sent the audience home with a feeling that they have a great tradition handed down to them and that they are custodians of a unique heritage which must be upheld and continued. The other attraction was the operetta on the theme of the centenary “My lord and my God the same yesterday, today and forever” conducted by Fr Alfred Vaz.

The Patriarch in his short speech lauded the artistes for their talent and expressed appreciation at the variety and standard of performance, especially the play.

The Vicar, Fr Jose Roque Gonsalves took the opportunity to publicly thank the members of the Centenary Committee for their unstinted support for all year long activities under the leadership and guidance of the Co-ordinator Anthony Francis Fernandes. He, in turn, thanked the Vicar without whose encouragement and support the celebrations could not have been possible.

The souvenir was released by Bishop Ferdinand Fonesca during the Centenary convention presided by him on December 27. The chief guest for the social gathering at the Aldona Institute was Bishop Joseph Couto.