A Night of Faith and Fellowship: Easter Vigil & Konkani Mass 2026

The spirit of resurrection and community was palpable as the South Kanara Association (SKA) London gathered for a joyous Easter celebration on Holy Saturday, 4th April 2026. Held at Sudbury Primary School in Wembley, the evening was a beautiful blend of spiritual devotion and vibrant Konkani culture.

A Solemn Spiritual Beginning

The event commenced with the Easter Vigil and Konkani Mass, a deeply moving service celebrated by Fr. Jaison Pais. His meaningful reflections on the resurrection of Christ resonated with the congregation, filling the hall with a sense of peace and reverence.

The liturgy was supported by a dedicated team of altar servers: Stacy D’Sa, Liana D’Sa, Scarlett Vaz, Vivan Tauro, Jewel D’Souza, Venessa Pinto, and Nelson Cordeiro.

Musical Excellence: Alwyn and His Group

A major highlight of the service was the soulful atmosphere created by the choir. We extend a special note of praise to Alwyn Saldanha and his group for their exceptional leadership and talent.

Alwyn’s dedication, Including weeks of intensive practice and tireless hard work, resulted in what many described as the best choir group performance to date. Their harmonies were pitch-perfect and truly elevated the spiritual experience for everyone present, turning the liturgy into a magnificent celebration of song.

The Unsung Heroes: Our Volunteers

A celebration of this scale doesn’t happen by magic; it is built on the labor of love provided by our volunteers.

• The Morning Crew: Gratitude to those who arrived at 8:00 AM to transform a school hall into a sacred space, handling everything from altar setup to the music system.
• The Event Force: A massive thank you to the volunteers who worked tirelessly during the festival. From the kitchen staff who kept the food flowing to the cleaning and clearing crews who ensured the venue remained pristine during the Mass and festivities. Your behind-the-scenes work was the backbone of the night.

Fun, Feast, and Festivity

As the formal service concluded, the energy shifted toward social celebration:

• Games & Bingo: Joyce led the children in high-spirited games, while Olivia Saldanha, Lester D’Souza, and Joyce kept the crowd on the edge of their seats with a thrilling round of Bingo.
• The Feast: A sumptuous dinner was the highlight of the night, lovingly prepared by Sunil D’Cunha & Family and Lancy Rodrigues & Family, with vital support from the families of Joyce D’Souza, Olivia Lewis, Vinay Pereira, and Violet & Charles D’Souza.
• Dance: DJ Lester kept the floor packed, culminating in an energetic Baila that had everyone on their feet.

Heartfelt Gratitude to Our Benefactors

We extend our sincerest thanks to our sponsors: Christine & Richard Lobo, Jessie Cutinho, Cyprian D'Souza, Meena Sequeira, Juvana, Eugene Dias & Family, Charles & Violet D'Souza, Eliza D'Cunha, Jewel D'Souza, and Marita Crasta & Family.

A special note of thanks to Roshna Menezes for sponsoring the photography, ensuring these precious memories are captured forever.

Closing Remarks

The evening drew to a close with a vote of thanks by Sunil D’Cunha, who expressed his deep gratitude to the volunteers, the kitchen staff, and every attendee who brought life to the hall.

To everyone who supported, participated, and prayed with us—thank you. This Easter Vigil was more than just an event; it was a testament to the strength and unity of the Konkani community in London.

Happy Easter to all! For more photos and updates on upcoming events, visit www.skalondon.com.