Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Media release

Mangaluru, March 26: The St Anne’s Friary Hall in Mangaluru was filled with the spirit of generosity as St Mary’s Konkan Community (SMKC) Dubai, now registered as St Mary’s Charitable Trust (SMCT), Mangalore, marked its silver jubilee celebration.

As part of the occasion, SMKC pledged to build 25 homes for the underprivileged in collaboration with Vimukti Charitable Trust, an initiative managed by the Capuchin Fathers of Karnataka Province.

The event, held on Sunday, March 23, began at 4 pm with the arrival of guests, who were warmly welcomed with tea and snacks.

Leslie Rego, a well-wisher and friend of SMKC Dubai, served as the anchor for the programme and extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries with floral greetings. The event commenced with the lighting of the lamp, followed by prayers seeking blessings for the occasion.

Among the guests present were Fr Alwyn Dias, provincial of the Capuchin Province of Karnataka (Bengaluru), Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, vice provincial of the Capuchin Province of Karnataka (Mysuru), Fr Vincent D’Souza, director of CODP, Walter Nandalike, managing director of Daijiworld.

The chief guest, Walter Nandalike, owner and managing director of Daijiworld lauded SMKC’s significant contributions to health and education in both Dubai, Mangaluru and beyond. He shared that, during his time in Dubai, he had been involved with only two associations: SMKC Dubai and Daijiworld. He emphasised the importance of addressing social challenges and encouraged the community to continue fostering love and service.

Jennifer Mascarenhas highlighted SMKC’s collaboration with Vimukti Charitable Trust in Raichur and provided insights into the objectives of the housing project. She spoke with deep admiration for the humble and selfless efforts of Fr Satish Fernandes and how God’s grace inspired her to pursue the dream of building 25 homes in Raichur.

She quoted Amelia Earhart as saying that, “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” To date, 15 homes have been confirmed for the Vimukti project, with generous contributions from the Indian Catholic Association of Central Texas, USA, philanthropist Martin Aranha and family, Leonid Sequeira in honour of his late father Robert Sequeira (Matpady), and SMKC members.

Fr Satish Fernandes, director of Vimukti Charitable Trust, provided an overview of the organization’s services and its future plans. Fr Alwyn Dias, the provincial of the Capuchin Province of Karnataka, expressed heartfelt gratitude to SMKC Dubai for their continued generosity and support of the province’s social initiatives over the years. He acknowledged SMKC’s contributions to the construction of St Anne’s Friary Chapel and their establishment of the SMKC Medical Trust Fund in 2012, which provides annual medical aid to those in need.

As part of the silver jubilee celebrations, SMKC Dubai honoured five prominent NGOs for their significant contributions to the welfare of the underprivileged in Mangaluru:

• Corrine Rasquinha (White Doves, Mangaluru)
• Joseph Crasta (Snehalaya, Manjeshwar)
• Stephen Mascarenhas (Ian Cares Foundation, Kinnigoli)
• Roshan D’Souza (Humanity, Belman), Dr Michael Lobo (Writer & Genealogist)

The awardees were honoured in the presence of the dignitaries and the SMKC Dubai members: Joseph Fernandes, Elizabeth Noronha, Frenny Fernandes, Lawrence D’almedia, Urban and Anita Sequeira, Noel and Jennifer Mascarenhas, Fr Alwyn Dias and Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza also honoured Jennifer and Noel Mascarenhas on behalf of the Capuchins for their exceptional leadership and years of service to the community.

Roshan D’Souza, speaking on behalf of the honourees, expressed appreciation for SMKC’s work and gratitude for the recognition. Sebastian and Jacintha Mendonca were the first donors who were enlightened with the charitable work at Vimukti and presented a cheque to Fr Sathish at the venue itself.

The celebration concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Jennifer Mascarenhas to all those who contributed to the success of the event especially to Leslie Rego, who in spite of his busy schedule was there to host the event gracefully.

A big thanks was also rendered to Fr Arun Lobo who played a key role to set up the event and ideas along with Fr Sathish Fernandes and his team of Vimukti project.

The evening was brought to a warm and fulfilling close with a sumptuous dinner.