Xit-Koddi - Oct 2014

4th Anniversary of Xit-Koddi

There is a feeling of personal satisfaction in having completed four years of editing and producing Xit-Koddi for the Bahrain Goans’ Community. This exercise that I started in October 2010 keeps enriching me with the knowledge of our community on the island as well as of past members, who are now settled around the globe. The circle of our readers has kept on growing year by year.

In this issue, I would like to express my gratitude to all my readers. It is your feedback, support, criticism and compliments that has encouraged keep alive this very small light among our community. I look forward to continued assistance, especially by providing me with news of Goan events and notable Goans (not forgetting our little stars) excelling in any field. Any other matter that is suitable for the columns of Xit-Koddi is most welcome from our readers.

Let us march forward assured of your cooperation.

Mog Vaddom ani Choddom !!!!

= GR Crasto

Bringing Back Mortal Remains From Abroad: The Union Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) has developed a software module to facilitate the transportation of mortal remains of deceased emigrants in Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries like Malaysia, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, UAE, Bahrain, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Sudan, Afghanistan, Qatar, Indonesia, Oman, Syria, Libya, and Thailand. This software module is now available on MOIA’s website (www.moia.gov.in). Instead of family members running from pillar to post, trying to get hold of State Government authorities to transport the body back to India, they can now apply online for transportation of mortal remains of the deceased emigrant in any of the above mentioned ECR countries. They can also track the status online till the deceased is returned home. On completion of the online application, the Indian Missions located in the country, from where the body is to be brought back, will start processing those cases. The Goa Government has notified District Collectors and District Superintendents of Police of North and South Goa Districts as Nodal Officers on the civil side and police side. The public is therefore advised that if any assistance is required, they may get in touch with these authorities.

Award To Pio Fernandes: Tujea Moga Khaitr is a book of Konkani poems released by Pio Fernandes in August 2013. In the poems Pio recollects memories of his wife Joyce, who died in tragic circumstances in 2012. His quest for an answer from the Almighty for the cross in his life is well expressed in his poems. “This book is a tribute to my wife”, Pio told Xit-Koddi, at the time of its release. We feel proud to congratulate Pio, as he has been chosen for an award by the All India Konkani Writers Organizations for this book of poems in Romi script. The award will be presented to him at a function at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, on October 26. Our best wishes to Pio on behalf of the Bahrain Goan Community.

Goenchi Sanz: Having successfully entertained the Goan Community of Bahrain with traditional Goan Carnival and Sao Joao festivities earlier this year, Crab Entertainment has announced their third event of the year, Goenchi Sanz. The event will be held on November 6, 2014, at The Papillion First Class Restaurant in Manama from 7.00 p.m. onwards. The evening will feature Goan songs, music, food and cultural programs. A DJ will also be in attendance. The event is open for a limited number of guests and more details can be had by contacting mobile nos: 33181009 or 33262923.

Adeus Bahrain: Gabriel Mascarenhas bids goodbye to Bahrain after a long stay of 37 years on this island. Gabriel arrived in Bahrain in 1977 to work for East Workshop, and shifted to Almoayed Air-conditioning six years later. He worked with Almoayed Air-conditioning for 15 years and then moved to Delta Aluminum and Casting Factory, where he worked as Sales Manager until his decision to return to Goa. In 1983, Gabriel married Bernadine, and his wife joined him in Bahrain a year later. Bernadine, a professionally qualified nurse took up a job at the BDF hospital and is currently employed at the Salmaniya Medical Centre. They are blessed with twin sons, Floyd and Fletcher. Gabriel, a long time member of Young Goans Club and Konkan Singers, is leaving the island to undertake projects that he has planned and will visit Bahrain regularly, as his wife and sons will continue to work here. Xit-Koddi wishes Gabriel success in all his plans.

FAME - A Great Success: A red carpet event entitled 'FAME' was held at the Baan Saeng Thai Auditorium at Adliya on October 2, 2014. A crowd of 270 enjoyed an evening in a luxurious and elegant setting created by the organizers, Eric, Gavin and Orace. It was a night of glitz and glamour for guests as they walked down the red carpet. The event featured entertainment by Bahrain's leading bands The Night Shades and Gravity in addition to DJ Philip spinning the discs. 'The walk down the red carpet was to make our guests feel like celebrities', said one of the organizers. An evening of good music, good food and loads of prizes, is how some of the attendees described the event. The organizers appreciated the support of sponsors and thanked the gathering for making this event a huge success. 

Feast of St. Francis Xavier: Fr. Gaspar Fernandes, who has taken over as the Spiritual Director of the Konkani Community at Sacred Heart Church (KCSHC), Manama, has appealed to all devotees of St. Francis Xavier (SFX), and Goans in particular, to prepare for the Novenas and the Feast of SFX in a special way as this is the year of the Exposition of the body of SFX. Devotees are invited to be Family Sponsors during the Novenas and they will be given a special candle and will join the procession before the Mass. An invitation has also gone out to take up the title and stand as Presidents or Family Sponsors on the Feast Day i.e. on December 3. Both the Presidents and the Family Sponsors will be offered a special candle, and invited to join in the procession on the day of the Feast. Support by way of contributions for snacks, printing of the Holy Pictures, flowers, decorations etc. are also welcome.

Rev. Fr. Alvito Cardoz, OFM Cap, a dynamic and eloquent preacher from Goa, has been invited to be the Animator to lead us for the Novenas and Feast. He is young, creative and with boundless energy, and has done his studies in Clinical Psychology in the United States. He will also be available for counseling sessions and guidance from 11th November to 6th December. For more information on this celebration you may contact the members of the KCSHC, Freddy D’Souza (39842740), John D'Souza (39615969), Savio Saldanha (33061077) and Carmina Correia (39619225) or Fr. Gaspar Fernandes at his parish office.

New Parish Priest: The Konkani-speaking community of Bahrain rejoices at the announcement that Fr. Freddy D'Souza is to be installed as the new Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church (SHC) on October 31. This comes as a birthday gift for Fr. Freddy, who celebrated his birthday on October 19. The SHC is bound to benefit from his vast experience in the vineyard of the Lord. He served for 5 years at St. Mary's Catholic Church Dubai prior to his arrival in SHC in 2010. It is a proud moment for the Konkani community to have their Spiritual Director elevated to the position of Parish Priest of this vibrant parish. Xit-Koddi congratulates Fr. Freddy and prays that Christ may refresh his priestly zeal and reward him with many happy years!

Pope Francis  And  His Inspirational Quotes

"Be close to your priests with affection and with your prayers, that they may always be shepherds according to God's heart"