Report : Celine D'Souza
Pics : Arun Jivraj Lobo
Muscat, Jun 2: Prescilla Menezes, a multi-talented Mangalorean with a keen interest in Konkani culture and language, community leader and seasoned artist has taken over the mantle of the Mangalorean Catholic Center of the Parish (MCCP – Sts Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi) as its president for the year 2014 – 2015.
She took over the charge from Lancy Lobo, the president of MCCP for the year 2013 – 2014, during MCCP’s annual day celebration on Saturday May 31 at Sts Peter and Paul Church main hall.
The day began with a solemn mass in Konkani at 10.30 am at Ruwi church as thanksgiving to the Almighty. The members attended the mass along with their families.
The cultural programme commenced at noon with the welcome song 'Parameshwara' led by MCCP music maestro and leader Apolinaris D’Souza and his team in praise of the Almighty. This was followed by the theme song based on family life 'Dekivont kutamb samajechi buniyaad'.
An ardent supporter of MCCP, seasoned toastmaster and one of the co-sponsors for the current year Dilip Correa, the energetic emcee kept the audience entertained with one liners and riddles that amused the gathering.
Sponsors, an eminent part of all programmes have supported this year whole heartedly in cash and kind. They were acknowledged and presented with mementoes.
Team 22 of MCCP, the executive committee of 2013 – 2014, presented wonderful programmes with one spirit and accord throughout the year under the able leadership of young and dynamic Lancy Lobo. Their strength and unanimity was marvelously executed at all programmes. The outgoing president expressed his thanks, appreciated and lauded every office-bearer for their efforts and presented them with mementoes, handed over by spiritual director Fr Wilson Rumao.
The cultural programme enchanted the gathering with three dance performances blended with western and Baila fusion by teenagers, youngsters and kids. The dance performances evoked a feeling of elation among the gathering.
Group - Domina Angels with MCCP juniors: This dance was conceptualized by Prescilla Menezes and choreographed by Dynet Fernandes.
Participants (juniors): Christina - Lionel, Calida - Shane, Lovette - Andril, Lanette - Shawn, Rhea - Shawn, Renessa - Vivian, Diane - Clive
Participants (seniors): Stacy, Veona, Sharon, Rochelle, Phiyola, Rishitha, Pearl, Ashwitha coupled with Dynet Fernandes & Sylvester Vaz.
The other two dance performances were choreographed by the young and talented Sachin Joy Lobo.
Aptly titled the 'Ultimate Generation' group's participants were Aldrean Moras, Alston Moras, Megan D’souza, Shaina Rebello, Lenita Lobo, Vijeth D’Mello.
Another dance was performed by the group 'Prophecy', whose members were Sachin Lobo, Melanie Crasta, Jyotsna Tharakan, Jayal Tharakan, Dean D’Souza.
Having extended remarkable support and doing a marvelous job throughout the year; Sunil D’Souza representing his team of volunteers was acknowledged with a gift hamper.
The audio system for the entire programme was well managed by Loveline Rego, Delroy and Oscar.
The programme included presentation of annual report for the year, detailing expenses and revenues incurred for 2013-14. The report was read out by general secretary Celine D’Souza.
Grace before meals was offered by Alwin Pinto. This was followed with distribution of lunch to all, courtesy Bollywood Chat.
A scene of striking beauty was a skit put up by the executive team marking the culmination of the year-long journey, stressing on the message 'Dekivont kutamb, samajechi buniyaad'.
Vote of thanks giving due credit to all involved in making the day successful was aptly proposed by Ophelia Lazarus.
Formation of the new executive team for the 23rd year was done with the returning officers / core committee members Stanley Fernandes, Donald Pinto and Henry Martis on stage.
Team 23 consisting of the following office-bearers:
Prescilla Menezes – President
Edward Mendonca – Vice-president, sports and finance ccommittees
Mariete Fernandes – Vice-president - Cultural, spiritual and community services
Shyla Machado - General secretary
Stephen Prakash Rodrigues – Honorary treasurer
Tony Philip Suares - Internal auditor
Lynel Lobo - Sports secretary
Philomena Moras – Cultural secretary
Flavia Castelino - Spiritual secretary
Neslin Moras - Community service secretary
The new president Prescilla Menezes, only the second lady to head MCCP, is a multi-talented person who also manages the community website mccpoman.com. Being a pious person, she involves herself in many church activities, and is a catechist, Eucharistic minister, lector and a member of the Konkani choir. She is a blend of leadership, piety and oratory skills. She has already served the committee in the 20th year as general secretary. Born in Jog Falls and raised in Sagar, she is happily married to Philip D’Souza, a typical Mangalorean from Amembal parish and blessed with one child Phiyola D’Souza. Currently an entrepreneur, in event management, HR and property solution, her motto in life is to 'show the way and guide young minds for a better tomorrow'. Giving full credit to her parents she feels she is inspired and motivated by them.
The current EC team handed over all the files and records to the new team wishing them success, happiness and a good and healthy journey ahead of them.
The annual day sponsors were Clifford Sanctis and Philomena Moras supported by IFFCO, Henry Pinto, Bollywood Chat and Denis Mascarenhas of Prestige Projects & Engg Supplies Co LLC.
Mega sponsor for the year was Khafeef Mayonnaise, while the main sponsors were Omantel, Vincent Machado and family and Technofit Trading LLC. The event sponsors were Muscat Pharmacy & Stores, Sky United Logistics, Muscat Golden Oasis and Zahrat Al Rawdah Trading.