Report :  Lavina D Sa
Photo : Dilip Correa

Ghala, Oman, May 6: The Holy Spirit Church – Ghala, Sultanate of Oman celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.  As a part of the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Parish the Mangalorean community of Ghala Parish conducted an Open  Day programme for its members on Friday 4th May 2012 in the church premises
.
The day began with a  Konkani mass celebrated by Fr. Albert D’silva, Parish Priest and spiritual Director  of the Mangalorean community.

The Open Day programme began by a prayer song and prayer dance by Gracy Barboza.  The inaugural program was compered by Nirmala Goveas a well known singer of the community with a lovely blend of her melodious songs as well as her charismatic Konkani  words.

 The Ghala Mangalorean committee members comprising of John Gonsalves, Micheal Goveas, Hubert D’souza, Jawahar Pinto , Helen Sequiera , Philomena Mendonca and Lavina D’sa along with Fr. Albert D’silva inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp.

John Gonsalves, Parish council member of the Ghala parish and head of the Mangalorean community in Ghala Parish then welcomed the gathering. Fr. Albert D’silva presented a memento to the past parish council members Lawrence Alva, Stany Menezes, Rosanna Mendonca, Melanie Tauro, and Hubert D’souza for their contributions toward the parish.

Fr. Albert D’silva then addressed the gathering and urged the members  to show their active participation in  the silver jubilee celebrations for the year and thus to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood
.
Hubert D’souza’s new CD ”Don Kalzan Petla Moga Uzo” was released by Fr. Albert D’silva.  Robert D’souza and Francis D’mello who were a part of the album were present for the release.

The second half of the programme comprised of fun group games and entertainment, it was compered meticulously by Lavina D’sa. The theme revolved around a king which was enacted by  Valerian Crasta ordering his s two ministers enacted by Jawahar Pinto and Edward Mendonca   to get the people of his kingdom  which was the gathering, to fulfill various demands for him. The gathering was divided into four team and various team games like enactment of market scene, paper fancy dress, children’s dance and singing competition were conducted . There was an active and lively performance presented by all the teams and their enthusiasm and creativity knew no bounds
.
Priyanka Mendonca  a budding talent of the parish presented a power packed dance performance. The comedy artists Edward, Jessy, Salvadore and Peter tickled the funny bones while  Rony, Shalet , Alwyn, Reon and Francis  along with Avil entertained the audience with their melodious voices and music. DJ Lester Sequeira rocked the youngsters with this entertaining music.

 Traditional Mangalorean food was served for lunch . A Tambola draw conducted by Edward Mendonca which was followed by a raffle draw conducted by Michael Goveas on the entry coupons. Lavina D’sa proposed  the vote of thanks. The winning teams  walked away with gifts for their teams and the event concluded with a thanksgiving prayer by Fr. Albert D’silva for having brought together and unified  the Mangaloreans of the parish .