Team Goemkarponn
LONDON: The Colva Union UK commemorated the 49th annual Infant Jesus Feast at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, Heston, on October 19, blending faith, tradition, and festivity.
This year’s event was made even more special by the heartfelt address from the Chief Guest, Mr. Clayton Barreto, S. Secretary to the High Commissioner, High Commission of India in the UK, who shared personal memories and deep connections to his Goan roots.
Chief Guest’s Emotional Connection to Colva
In his speech, Mr. Barreto expressed gratitude to Colva Union UK’s President, Elaine Fernandes, and the committee members for their unwavering commitment to organizing the event each year. He highlighted the significance of this tradition, which has been kept alive for 49 years, uniting the Goan community in the UK to celebrate their shared heritage.
“For me, the connection to Colva is deeply personal,” Barreto stated. “I am proud to say that I am a grandson of Colva.” He recounted fond memories of his childhood spent in Sernabatim, particularly at his grandparents’ home in Copel Waddo, where the sense of community was unparalleled. Barreto shared the history of his family’s three-century-old ancestral home, which houses a chapel with a large Infant Jesus statue—a central figure in their family traditions.
A Personal Legacy and Call to Preserve Goan Identity
Barreto’s reflections resonated with the audience as he spoke of his childhood adventures cycling through the village and the unity that surrounded the Fama celebrations. He encouraged the community to hold fast to their cultural heritage, even while living abroad. “Although many of us have moved away from Goa, it’s important that we never lose sight of who we are. We must continue to uphold our values, heritage, and culture, even here in the UK,” Barreto emphasized.
The Feast Mass and Procession
The celebration began with a Feast Mass celebrated by Fr. Renato Andrade, SFX, from the Goan Chaplaincy UK. Fr. Andrade touched upon the historical significance of the Infant Jesus statue in Colva and the continued devotion that has now extended to the UK. A 20-member choir, led by Aldrich, provided hymns, while readers, altar servers, and Eucharistic ministers contributed to a spiritually uplifting service.
Following the Mass, attendees participated in a procession around the church and later venerated the Infant Jesus statue, receiving the blessed cord (bentina) as a symbol of their faith.
Dine and Dance Celebration
The festivities continued at the Pope John Centre with a lively dine and dance. Hosts Russell Rodrigues and Antonio Fernandes kept the energy high, while the Goan band ‘Treble Makers’ entertained the crowd with music that had everyone dancing. Guests enjoyed authentic Goan cuisine, including pulao, sorpotel, chicken xacuti, and roast beef, prepared by Ali Rous.
In addition to the celebratory atmosphere, the committee members came together to cut a commemorative cake. Both President Elaine Fernandes and Chief Guest Clayton Barreto delivered speeches, reflecting on the event’s success and the importance of continuing these traditions for future generations.
Exciting Spot Prizes and Raffles
The evening was filled with fun, with spot prizes for quirky categories like the man carrying both his wife’s and girlfriend’s photographs, and the woman with the longest belt. The raffles, a highlight of the night, offered exciting prizes ranging from air fryers and wine hampers to the grand prize—a 32-inch TV, won by Delvin Fernandes.
A Night of Community and Legacy
The 49th annual Infant Jesus Feast brought the Goan community in the UK together to celebrate faith, culture, and tradition.
Clayton Barreto’s poignant speech, filled with personal memories and reflections, added a deep sense of connection to the occasion, leaving attendees eagerly anticipating next year’s golden jubilee celebrations.
