By Jane Ida and Clarence Pinto – Muscat
Daijiworld News Network - Muscat
Photographs: J P Mascarenhas

Muscat, Dec 31: “Happiness doubles when you share it with some one close to you. But, it multiplies thousand folds, when you share it in the society.”

That is what exactly happened, when the Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish – MCCP (Sts Peter and Paul Church Ruwi) celebrated festive season of Sharing Christmas in a fashion that was unique and outstanding by spreading the joy to the Konkani-speaking brothers and sisters of Muscat who are lonely.

“Natalancho sontos amchea monxeam sangata"  (Christmas Joy with our people) was the theme of the event held on December 29, 2006 in the Sts Peter and Paul Church Main Hall, Ruwi.

Further, this was also the first of its kind function in the history of MCCP and certainly an inspiration to other communities to arrange such programmes.

The programme started with a welcome address by Clarence Pinto, Main coordinator of the Cultural and Spiritual Committees and also, the compere of the event.  Fr V J Menezes, cap. visiting priest from Mangalore  and renowned preacher and Konkani writer offered the prayers and sought blessings on the audience.
 
To commence the eventful day, Moriechem Soponn (The Dream of Mary), a short play was presented under the direction of Harold  Rasquinha, well-known Konkani Composer and Hilda Rasquinha.

Ivan Moras, Philomena Moras, A L Monis, Lawrence, Judith, Amanda and Joel Lobo, Alston, Aldreen, Brantin, Relista and Bertil were the key role players in the play.
 
Dilip Correa, current cultural events coordinator, presented MCCP’s message and emphasized the need for these types of functions in our society to bring the less fortunate brethren to a closer bond to each other and spread a true brotherhood.

Fr Albert D Silva, Fr V J Menezes, Donald Pinto, representing Mangalorean Community and Matilda D Souza, representing the Goan community were present on the stage.
 
Apolinaris D Souza, Ida Pinto, Ronald Lobo, Victoria Soares, Flavia D Souza, Jacintha Serrao and Josma Rodrigues sang Konkani carols, inspiring the audience with true Christmas spirit.

Choir Leader Harold Rasquinha had synchronized numerous melodious carols and his son, upcoming musician of the community, Noel Rasquinha provided musical support. Christmas delicacies were served to the audience while choir continued with carols.

Various sponsors of the event were honoured on the occasion.  Fr Albert D Silva, spiritual director of MCCP, in his speech appreciated the efforts rendered by the Mangalorean community to their society in Oman, specially the programmes organized by the Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish to unite the community people in Oman.

Natalanchem Geet- a special song for Christmas season was composed by Shalet Noronha. Lerissa, Jonah, Ashwini, Brantin, Josna, Aldin, Bertil, Alston, Priyanka and Dale, the young singers of the community, presented this song. Music support was given by Meval Dantis.

Barka’s famous young trio Lionel, Loyal and Irvin presented entertaining comedy item “Ye Dolla” under the direction of A L Monis.

Tiny tots of the community Brantin, Josna, Aldin, Bertil, Alston and Priyanka presented Maja Mar; a dance with a difference style and costume.  This dance was directed and choreographed by talented Shalet Noronha. The event continued with one more superb dance Talak Metam choreographed by Cheryl Fernandes, participated by Cheryl, Gisele, Amanda Pinto, Amanda Lobo and Melanie.

A short humorous skit - Soiro (Guest) written and directed by Shalet Noronha brought waves of laughter in the audience. Jeevan, Ivan Moras and Shalet Noronha acted in this play. Monica Dantis and Vinita Crasta offered backstage support and Meval Dantis gave the music.

Various spot prizes were given away and games were held to entertain the audience. Non-stop Baila dance was also presented by choir team and participated by most of the audience.

Hilda Rasquinha, spiritual secretary, proposed the vote of thanks. On behalf of the organizing committee, Hilda thanked  all the sponsors and supporters.

The programme ended with a traditional lunch supplied by Alwyn Saldhana of Al Arsalan, a well-known restaurateur in Muscat.