by Clarence Pinto – Muscat
Photographs : Dilip Correa and J P Mascarenhas
Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat

Muscat, Apr 28: The very first Bible Quiz in the history of the Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP- Sts Peter and Paul Church Ruwi) - “The Annual Holy Bible Quiz 2006 – 2007” was successfully organized and presented on Friday, 27th April 2007 from 12 noon at the Sts Peter and Paul Main Parish Hall. 

As many participants and audience strongly felt, it was one of the most thrilling competitions and finest programs organized by Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP) in the year 2006 –2007. Great enthusiasm and enjoyable excitement was completely dominated the whole event and whole day which also included the Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony.   In fact, this was a maiden Bible Quiz held not only in the Mangalorean Community in Muscat, but as mentioned by the distinguished guests and parish priests, the very first in the Ruwi parish level too.  As an appreciation to the members of MCCP and Executive Committee, this event has inspired the other communities of the parish to organise similar events in the parish level.

The official sponsors for this annual event were, Leo Quadros, Chairman and Managing Director - Bangalore Regency Developers Pvt. Ltd., Juliet Veronica Quadros and Leslie Agnelo Quadros, Directors of Bangalore Regency Developers Pvt. Ltd., Divine Light Retreat Centre (R), Divine Light Charitable Trust (R), Addhia Trading & Contracting Co. LLC, Oman, (Specialist of Gas Pipeline & Fire Protection Systems)                                                                 

The event commenced with a warm and hearty welcome by Hilda Rasquinha, Spiritual and Public Relations Secretary of MCCP and brain behind the event. Fr. Albert D Silva, spiritual director MCCP offered prayers seeking heavenly blessings on all the participants and the organizers. He also encouraged the participants and audience to give more priority to the holy readings and practice in their lives.

The sponsors of the event were felicitated.  Merwyn Vaz, Senior Official Addhia Trading & Contracting Co. LLC, Oman, representing Bangalore Regency Developers Pvt. Ltd and Norah Vaz were present during the function. Clarence Pinto, main coordinator of Cultural and Spiritual Committees of MCCP presented floral bouquet to Judith Lobo, also represented Leo Quadros..

Hilda Rasquinha introduced the Quiz Master, Fredrick D’ Souza, an eminent personality, well-established and knowledgeable activist of the parish. Clarence Pinto welcomed Fredrick with a floral bouquet. Freddy conducted the entire quiz professionally and creating an utmost interest among the quizzers and audience.  Audience were given many spot prizes.

As Quiz concluded with an announcement of winners, noted Konkani writer and poet, General Secretary of MCCP, proposed the vote of thanks. Fr. Raul Ramos, Parish Priest visited the competition venue and expressed joy to see a great eagerness in the community. 

The following were the winners ;

First
Amanda Lobo
Noel Rasquinha
Anna Mendonca

Second
Cheryl Fernandes  
Reah Fernandes
Beverly Quadros

Third
Lestor Sequiera
Glanet Castelino
Shawn Mendonca

Immediately after the Bible Quiz, a prize distribution ceremony was held. Dilip Correa, prominent Konkani Activist, writer and Cultural Events Coordinator conducted the ceremony with a touch of class and meticulous control. Eminent personalities of the Mangalorean community were present on the dais to do the honors. Well known Konkani composer and singer Harold Rasquinha, Ye Ye Jeju Mogalla fame Apolinaris D Souza, Dattu – Stanley Fernandes, Savitha Rebello and Clarence Pinto presented the trophies and certificated to the various winners of the various annual competitions held during the year. Appreciation certificates were presented to the children who participated in the competitions.

There was a brief ceremony held to release a devotional Konkani Cassette and CD called “Sant Vincent Paulachim Bhoktik Gitam.”  This cassette was produced by Arthur D’ Souza a well know Konkani admirer of Muscat. Music had been composed and organized by Apolinaris D Souza and the cassette recoding and Edition was done by Glen Correa. Muscat Konkani Community’s renowned singers - Apolinaris D Souza, Ozwald D Souza, Dolphy Vaz, Ronald Lobo, Ida Pinto, Victoria Soares, Nirmala Goveas and Lavina Mascarenhas had  offered their glorious voices to this cassette. 

Stanley Fernandes released the cassette and Clarence Pinto anchored the program. Suraj Rebello, main coordinator of MCCP was alos present during this function.