Report: Vijai D’Cunha (G-kere)
Muscat, Oct 20: The Mangalurean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP), Sts Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi, celebrated its 35th anniversary with ‘Sangath Suvalo “35 Glorious Years”, One Unbreakable Bond!’ at The Grand Sphere, Al Falaj Hotel, Ruwi, on Friday, October 16. The spectacular evening brought the large Mangalurean Catholic community in Oman together for music, dance, comedy, laughter and fellowship.
As a part of the anniversary observances, a special thanksgiving Mass was celebrated at 8:45 am at Sts Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi, to express gratitude for MCCP’s journey and to seek god’s blessings for the success of the evening’s celebration.
The evening programme opened with ‘Parameshwara’, MCCP’s title hymn, traditionally presented at MCCP events. The presentation brought together 35 singers and the choir under the direction of the choir master Prakash D’Souza. Thereafter, master of ceremonies V J Dixon made a grand entry and was introduced to the audience by Vivette Lasrado - community services secretary, setting an energetic tone for the celebrations.
Fr Stephen Lewis, OFM Cap., Parish priest and spiritual director of MCCP blessed the occasion with a short prayer. The traditional lighting of the lamp followed.
In a symbolic gesture intended to reflect MCCP’s identity as an organisation that belongs to and stands with its people, the lamp was placed below the stage, close to the audience. Fr Stephen Lewis, OFM Cap., chief guests: Dilip Correa, proprietor of Sky United Logistics, Ligoury D’ Mello, Proprietor of Technofit Trading LLC, and members of the executive committee joined in lighting the lamp, a customary sign of auspicious beginnings at MCCP events.
MCCP president Lancy Lobo delivered the welcome address, followed by an address from Fr Stephen Lewis, OFM Cap. Chief guest Dilip Correa then spoke briefly, reflecting on MCCP’s 35-year journey. Fr Stephen Lewis, OFM Cap, and the chief guests were honoured during the formal ceremony.
A major highlight was the launch of the MCCP 35th anniversary souvenir. The souvenir committee was led by chairman Clarence Donald Pinto, with Vijai D’Cunha as co-editor of the English section, Wilson Kinigoli as co-editor of the Konkani section, Ajith Walder and Nirmala Goveas as sponsorship and finance coordinators, Jessie Vivian Pereira and Praveen Sera as sponsorship coordinator, Renita D’Souza as chief coordinator for advertising and creative design, Relisa Correa as creative designer and production editor, and Adolf D’Souza as finance manager. Executive committee members Elizabeth
Noronha and Silvia Dias, who also contributed and assisted in content creation and creative design respectively.
Vijai D’Cunha, co-editor (English), presented copies of the souvenir to the chief guests and the priest, while Wilson Kinigoli Co-Editor (Konkani) distributed copies to others on stage. The souvenir was formally declared launched as the commemorative publication for MCCP’s 35th anniversary. Subsequently, a captivating video presentation took the audience on a nostalgic journey through MCCP’s glorious history.
Screened on a grand LED display, the documentary beautifully chronicled the organisation’s remarkable path from its very inception on October 17, 1991, capturing its most memorable milestones and proudest moments. This masterful retrospective was brought to life by the exceptional narration of Vivette Shirly Lasrado and Larry Floyd Rego, whose eloquent voices perfectly complemented the brilliant, deeply moving visuals crafted by Elizabeth Noronha.
At the outset, MCCP placed on record its deep appreciation for Dr Ronald Colaco, the main patron of the anniversary event and a generous supporter of numerous programmes organised during the tenure of the present executive committee.
A noted philanthropist and committed encourager of Mangalurean cultural activities, Dr Colaco’s benevolence, support and contributions have been highly appreciated by MCCP. President Lancy Lobo, on behalf of the executive committee and the institution, expressed heartfelt gratitude for his continued encouragement and support.
The grand event also featured the magnificent live rendition of the official title song on stage, which held the audience spellbound. This masterful anthem featured profound lyrics, brilliant composition, and powerful male vocals by Jason Lobo, beautifully paired with the enchanting and soulful female vocals of Dr. Velita Lobo. The exceptional track was brought to life through the flawless music production, mixing, and mastering of Wilson Lasrado, with the professional vocals expertly recorded at Radio Sarang (a unit of St. Aloysius, Deemed to be University), culminating in a musical masterpiece that resonated deeply with everyone present.
The entertainment segment featured the band Rhythm Mates, specially flown from Mangaluru, whose artistes Leswin Moras (drummer), Deon Sequeira (lead guitarist), Paul Daniel, Wilton Fernandes (keyboardist) and Wivon Fernandes (bass guitarist), with singers Alina Peris and Elton D’Souza, made their debut at the event and enthralled the audience with vibrant music. Well-known singers Dr Velita Lobo and Jason Lobo performed popular Konkani songs and well-known numbers, adding to the evening’s musical appeal.
A Konkani medley was also presented during the programme, honouring the legacy of Konkani poets and singers and celebrating the rich musical heritage of the Mangalurean community.
Stand-up comedy was performed by Lucy Lobo Arana, popularly known as Lucy Bai, who entertained the audience with her humour. Merwyn Arana also brought laughter to the gathering with his comic performance and delighted the crowd with a quick-change saree presentation, showcasing his ability to change outfits within minutes before returning to the stage.
The programme included solo and duet performances. The audience was treated to a delightful burst of talent as the children’s dance presentation lit up the stage with immense charm and joyful energy. The performers: Liana Carmel D’Souza, Reeva Loraine D’Souza, Neeral Mevisha Sequeira, Inara Dsouza, Hensia Wina Dsouza, Gian Josh Coelho, Delroy Mark Coelho, Noah Austin Noronha, Jaden Charles Fernandes, Leeon John Fernandies, Natania Florence Britto, Natasha Christelle Britto, Tristan D’Cunha, Rihana Kolvenkar, Riaansh Kolvenkar, Adam Suhaan Monteiro, Siona Lenora Dsouza,
Serah Menezes, Reezel Emeline D’Cunha, Rishal Neve D Souza, Shawnell Jeffrin Lewis, and Resten Pereira.
The dance was choreographed by Jocelyn Dsouza and Mamta D’Cunha. The event reached a spectacular crescendo with a dynamic and high-energy couple's dance, brilliantly brought to life by an exceptionally talented group of performers. It was presented by, Steffi Noronha, Osvita D'Souza, Christine Danthi, Laurette Rego, Reshma D'Costa, Lenita D'Souza, Sanil D'Souza, Houston Pinto, Preston Mendonca, Steevan D'Souza, Joel Prem Lobo, and Craig Lazarus. The dance was
choreographed by Steffi Noronha.
A youth duet dance by Nessa Saldanha, Nia Saldanha, Lianne Saldanha, Calida Rodriguez, Siona Saldanha also drew an enthusiastic response. The dance was choreographed by Lidia Noronha.
As MCCP’s history was recalled, special remembrance was also given to the founder members who laid the foundation for the institution, namely Mic-Max, Robert Coutinho, Jerry D’Mello and Walter Monteiro. The programme also remembered past presidents, including those who have passed away and those who have since relocated to India.
Past presidents Stanley T H Fernandes, Clarence Donald Pinto, Lawrence Alva, Prescilla Menezes, John Gonsalves, Dilip Correa, Sunil Furtado, Ajit Walder, Jessie Vivian Pereira, and Nirmala Goveas who attended the celebration as special invitees, were also felicitated on stage with memento by Fr Stephen Lewis, OFM Cap.
The excitement was kept at an all-time high throughout the event thanks to master of ceremonies V J Dixon, who brilliantly engaged the crowd with a series of brain-teasing questions and exciting spot prizes. With exceptional wit and magnetic charm, V J Dixon seamlessly turned the spectators into active participants, keeping the energy lively and the audience thoroughly entertained between the performances.
In a beautiful gesture of gratitude, MCCP president Lancy Lobo invited all the visiting artistes, singers, performers, musicians, and comedians from Mangaluru onto the stage to honour them with special mementos. This prestigious recognition was presented as a deep token of appreciation for their exceptional performances and invaluable contributions, which elevated the anniversary celebration to truly unforgettable heights. The exceptional sound quality of the evening was flawlessly delivered by sound engineer Paul Daniel, who was also felicitated with a memento on stage.
During the event, all sponsors were felicitated. Their names were read by Srikanth Coelho, while MCCP president Lancy Lobo and vice president Adolf D’Souza presented the honours. The organisers expressed appreciation for the generosity and support of the sponsors, volunteers and everyone who worked behind the scenes.
A truly historic moment unfolded on stage as three legendary pioneers of the community were called forward for a prestigious felicitation. On behalf of the Mangalurean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP) and the entire Mangalurean community in Oman, President Lancy Lobo, with his executive committee on stage, honoured these pillars of strength by draping traditional shawls over their shoulders and presenting them with commemorative mementos in recognition of their monumental contributions:
- Stanely T H Fernandes: Widely revered as the towering leader of the community, and fondly called as “Dattu”, he has dedicated decades of invaluable service to MCCP. His extraordinary legacy includes serving as three-time MCCP president, chairman of MCCP for many years, and a cornerstone member of the core committee.
- Clarence Donald Pinto celebrated as a brilliant writer, eloquent orator, and exceptional organiser, he is a distinguished former MCCP president and revival architect of MCCP during 2005-2006, which restored the MCCP’s momentum. Besides, he is a long-standing member of the core committee as well.
- Peter Misquit: A veteran stage artist who has enriched Konkani drama since 1979, he held a distinct place of honor as the sole available representative of the original 32-member ad hoc committee that laid the very foundation of MCCP in 1991. He historically served as the joint secretary of the very first executive committee under the leadership of Robert Cutinho during the 1991–1992 term.
In a special gesture of appreciation, the volunteers and supporters who worked behind the scenes were invited on stage and felicitated, including the DJ- Loveline Rego, along with the wider volunteer team: Neilet Fernandes, Shilpa Mascarenhas, Smita Dsouza, Elsie Swetha Kolvenker, Shaila Pinto, Meera Saldanha, Aslita D'Souza, Francis D'Souza, Joseph D'Souza, Helga D'Souza, Emerson Crasta, Robert Saldanha, Naveen Sequeira, Steevan Pereira, and Sunil Mascarenhas.
In a touching gesture, the spotlight was turned to the young helping hands behind the scenes as small children Rachel Fernandes, Crystal Pereira, and Deanne Serra were warmly recognised and felicitated for their exceptional support.
Elizabeth Noronha delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging all who contributed to the success of the anniversary celebration. The evening concluded with a spirited Baila session by Rhythm Mates, who drew the audience to the front of the stage for an extended celebration of music, dance and togetherness.
This grand celebration stands as a monumental, milestone achievement for the 35th-year president, Lancy Lobo, and his entire executive committee, serving as a true testament to their unwavering dedication, meticulous planning, and months of tireless preparation.
In a profound reflection of the community's legacy, the event also paid rich tribute to the invaluable contributions of past presidents, former executive committee members, patrons, sponsors, artistes, volunteers, and the unsung heroes whose enduring efforts have proudly shaped the Mangalurean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP) over the decades.
The MCCP executive committee 2025-2026 is represented by:
Lancy Lobo - President
Ajith Ivan Dcosta - Vice president ( Sports and Finance)
Adolf Dsouza - Vice president (Cultural, spiritual, CS)
Silvia Dias - General secretary
Srikanth Covelho - Internal auditor
Preneta Monteiro - Sports secretary
Peter Fernandes - Cultural secretary
Elizabeth Noronha - Spiritual secretary
Vivette Lasrado - Community services secretary
Sponsors and supporters
Distinguished Patron
Dr Ronald Colaco, The world-renowned philanthropist, visionary NRI entrepreneur
Event Sponsor
Dilip David Correa, Managing Director, Sky United Logistics
Gold Sponsor
Ligoury D’Mello, Managing Director, Technofit Trading LLC
Bronze Sponsors
Adolf Dsouza, Managing Director, Muscat Golden Services L.L.C.
Merwyn Dsouza and family
Alvin Ignatius Dsouza, Al Darwashi Auto Services
James Navil Noronha, Proprietor, New City Opticals Co. L.L.C.
Support Sponsors
Clifford Faustine Sanctis, Managing Director, Hydrotec International L.L.C.
Rajkiran D’Souza and family
Marmul Travel & Tours L.L.C. — courtesy of Mebal Pinto, General Manager
Daniel Fernandes, CEO, Dafnia Group of Companies — courtesy of Loveline Rego
Ashok Mathias and family
Baltazaar Fernandes
Talentz Enterprises LLC
Areej Vegetable Oils & Derivatives SAOC — courtesy of s Jessie Vivian Pereira
Global College of Engineering and Technology — courtesy of Joel D’Almeida
Raphael Quadras, Zahrat Al Rawdha International LLC
Event Partner
Manoj – Venture Entertainment