Report: Dr Eugene D’Souza

Pics: Deepak D’Souza

Mumbai, Oct 28: The centenary celebrations of the original St Lawrence Club, Hains Road, Byculla, was celebrated with thanksgiving Mass followed by felicitation function in the hall of the club on Saturday, October 27. Quite a large number of members, some along with their families participated in the centenary celebration with great joy and gaiety.

The thanksgiving Mass was offered by Fr Walter D’Souza of Mira Road. The choir was led by Richard and Flora Mathias.

In his homily, Fr Walter D’Souza said that every Christian has been called to bear witness to Christ. He further said that Christians throughout the world, especially in India have been known by their service to society in various fields. Referring to the life and martyrdom of St Lawrence, the patron saint of the original St Lawrence Club, Fr Walter said that St Lawrence through his service to the poor and needy had borne witness to Christ and hence had to pay with his life. Recalling the service of the founders and later members of the club, Fr Walter said that it was their service that was responsible for the completion of 100 years by the club and hence thanking God for his blessings and praying for the eternal rest of all those members who have passed away is significant on the day of the celebration of the centenary.

Soon after the holy Mass, a brief felicitation function was organized. The entire function was anchored by Sannu Monis, a renowned poet and folk artist and a member of the club.

Dr Vincent Alva, a well-known compere and Konkani writer, presently principal of the Milagres College, Kallianpur and Dr Eugene D’Souza, a former member of the club were the chief guests. Along with them, Gilbert Nazareth, president of the Club and Eric Martis, Secretary were on the dais.

Following the welcome address by Gilbert Nazareth, two of the eldest members of the Club, Emmanuel Aranha and Ligory Saldanha cut the Centenary Cake.

As the present President of the Club, Gilbert Nazareth’s birthday was on 27 October, he along with his family members cut another cake to mark the occasion.

The elder members were honoured during this occasion by offering shawls and flower bouquets. These veterans included: Emmanuel Aranha, Ligory Saldanha, George Alva, Casmir Menezes, John Martis and advocate Clement Lobo.

For their special service to the original St Lawrence Club, Gilbert Nazareth and Remous D’Souza were felicitated.

Wilfred Menezes, an enterprising businessman in Dubai who has been a member of the club narrated the memories of his stay in the club. He said that the club being a home away from home had shaped the lives of many young people and brightened their future.

The centenary souvenir, edited by Sannu Monis was released by Fr Walter D’Souza.

Dr Eugene D’Souza in his address briefly recounted the history of the original St Lawrence Club. He said that for those youngsters coming from native villages to Mumbai it was like ‘hop-step and jump’. Hopping from the native place, stepping into the club and jumping to the future. As the step is important for a long jump, so also the strong step in the club has enabled many youngsters to build their bright future either in Mumbai or in the Gulf countries.

Dr Vincent Alva in his message complimented all the members of the club on the completion of 100 years of the original St Lawrence Club and wished that the club would continue in providing service to the community. He appreciated the fact that former members of the club have come for the centenary function not only from native places but also from Gulf countries. He further said that the club enabled the members to cultivate healthy relationship. No one was left out. Members in need were looked after by other members. They helped the newcomers to find jobs. Those who had gone to Gulf countries tried to find jobs for some of their club-mates.

Eric Martis, Secretary of the original St Lawrence Club proposed the vote of thanks.

Remous D’Souza who was instrumental in renovating the Original St. Lawrence Club and organising the centenary celebration said that without the generous contributions and support of the members he would not have been able to undertake these tasks. He thanked all the members for their support and participation.

There was animated interaction between the members who visited the club for the centenary celebration after many years. They renewed their acquaintances and old friendship. The joy and happiness of meeting old club-mates after many years was writ large on the faces of many members.

The felicitation function was followed by fellowship dinner.

The present managing committee of the original St Lawrence Club has Gilbert Nazareth (President), Eric Martis (Secretary) and Samson Pinto (Treasurer).

The centenary organising committee comprised Remous D’Souza (Convener), Gilbert Nazareth, Eric Martis, Samson Pinto, Sannu Monis, Richard Mathias, Alwyn D’Souza and Benedict D’Souza.