An evening symbolizing a long tradition – Taleigão Church

Goa’s centuries-old tradition of communal harmony is well replicated in the parish of St. Michael in the village of Taleigão. On 20^th October 2024 on World Mission Day and, as part of its ongoing its 480 Years’ Jubilee programme, the parish celebrated the long record friendship among all by inviting prominent representatives of other religious communities for an “Ekcharachi Sanz” at the St. Michael’s Community Centre.

The evening began devotionally with a prayer dance by children of Auxilium School. Warmly welcoming the gathering, Fr. Cipriano da Silva, Parish Priest stressed that the human race is one, with all searching for the one supreme God. The same blood runs in our veins and the same education makes us learn and grow together in knowledge and wisdom. He expressed the hope that we may continue our walk in the spirit of communion and participation.

A prayerful hymn ‘Dona Nobis Pacem’ (Grant us Peace) led by Rafael Fernandes was sung. Some of the special invitees were each requested to say just a few words. College Professor, writer and stage artist Ms. Prashanti Talponkar described how various celebrations bring together people of different religions when services are procured regardless of the provider’s community.

Dr. Madhav Borkar, poet, writer and retired Station Director of All India Radio mentioned his willing acceptance of a Catholic daughter-in-law and certain commonalities in the rites of various religions. He recited a poem “Ek Ami Soglle” which he specially wrote for the occasion.

Drama director, music designer and academician, Dr. Saish Deshpande narrated how artists from diverse faiths effortlessly come together to put up the best possible stage performances and that art and culture are great unifiers.

Noted footballer and sports administrator, Mr. Brahmanand Shankhwalkar shared his experience of growing up happily side by side with people of other faiths and his personal and his family’s great respect for Christian prayers and symbols like the cross.

Mr. Sunil Sardessai, renowned architect and artist, expressed how language and literature bring people together different people. He then recited in English and Konkani his late father’s, Manoharrai Sardessai’s poem “Magnnem” (Prayer) delivered recently at the U.K. House of Lords.

Among the other invitees were Mr. Haroon Ebrahim, Mr. Kirit and Ms. Andrea Maganlal, Dr. Dilp Cuncolikar, Dr. Jeevan Vernekar and Mr. Damodar Ghanekar. Mr. Girish Lotlikar, Mr. Mahesh Talaulikar and Mr. Sandip Dalvi together sang a popular Konkani song. Sarpanch of Taleigão, Ms. Maria Fernandes, Dy. Sarpanch, Mr. Sagar Bandekar, Zilla Panchayat Member Ms. Anjali Naik and Village Panchayat Members Ms. Ratika Gawas, Ms. Helena Pereira, Ms. Siddhi Kerkar and Ms. Estella D’Souza were present at the programme.

A mando composed for the day by Dr. Alvarinho Luis was sung by a group led by him. A dance troupe led by Ms. Dakshita Salgaonkar gave a scintillating performance of a fugddi much enjoyed by the audience. A tiatr trio ‘Dhormancho Ekchar’ was sung. Natsalene Estrocio rendered a light classical piece on the violin. Concluding the evening, Santana Fernandes led a group in singing Jezu Bhaxen in honour of Jesus and in remembrance of its writer, Manoharrai Sardessai whose son was present at the function.

Ninfa da Silva compèred the programme and Sebastiana Dias introduced each of the special invitees to the audience. Eurico Noronha, Moderator of the Parish Pastoral Council, proposed a vote of thanks. The evening ended with a fellowship over a dinner among the hosts, invitees and participants. The joy of both the hosts and the guests in being in each other’s company was palpable throughout the evening.