It was a great pleasure in attending a well-organised function by a totally dedicated committee of members and volunteers. It was none other than the annual celebration of the feast of St. Anne, and this for me was much more than just attending a party. This is what comes as a complete package of a celebration of this nature, starting with a Solemn High Mass, followed by snacks, drinks, food and dance, when feasts of their local churches are celebrated by Goans all over the world when they are far away from home.
The village of Parra in Goa has a beautiful, famous and historic church that is dedicated to St. Anne. Parra is a village in Bardez sub-district, North Goa, India. It is located near the town of Mapusa and surrounded by the villages of Guirim, Nagoa, Anjuna, Arpora, Saligao and Assagao. A resident of Parra is fondly called 'Porrikar'. Attached to this Parish are the villages of Canca and Verla.
Having been brought up in Guirim, and also having an aunt and cousins living in Parra, I have very fond memories of attending the annual feast of St. Anne that is celebrated at this church on a very grand scale.
In this instance, it is even more than fitting in the celebration of the feast of St. Anne - an annual event organized at a banquet hall in Mississauga, Ontario, by the Parra Assocation of Toronto for the last four decades - a wonderful celebration far away from home.
My greatest surprise at this 40th Anniversary celebration, besides seeing and meeting friends, was identifying a familiar voice that sounded very much close to home at the Homily. Aided by a nod by my wife standing next to me, I was quick in placing the voice and delivery from an excellent preacher. The familiar voice was none other than of Fr. Emidio Pinto, who I was immediately able to recognise - a former Vicar of St. Anne's Church, Parra, and presently the Vicar of St. Diogo's Church of Guirim/Sangolda. A very touching moment was reserved for me at the end of the Mass - when I joined in the singing of a very nostalgic and touching Konkani hymn of all time that I sang long ago as a child - 'Santan Tujem Suffoll Jinnem', that brought a tear to my eye.
Although missing out on the usual fun, gaiety and enjoyment at the 'Feri'* of a traditional feast in Goa - this function was nothing short of the best: a beautiful choir, tasty food, music, dancing and above all meeting good old friends reminding me once again of the good old days and times of yore.
~ Tony Fernandes, Canada
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*Feri - A fair held outside the churches and chapels in Goa during a feast. Traditional roasted gram, and other sweets and delicacies along with toys are sold. Also fetes and raffles are organized by the young and the old alike. A happy time especially for children.
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