Report by  Jerina Lewis/Oswald Fernandes  ;   Photos by Paul Culaco

DUBAI , Jun 3:  1st of June 2007 will remain as a great memorable day for the  ‘Jesus Mary Joseph’ Konkani Prayer Group of the St. Mary’s Church, Dubai,  as they celebrated Second Anniversary in the Main Hall of St. Mary’s Church,  Dubai, UAE. 

The entire event was uniquely organized,  combining spiritual and cultural programs which were well participated by all the guests,  members,  their families and friends.

Event began with Paul Colaco & Fidelia Colaco leading the Divine Mercy Rosary followed by brief  ‘Praise & Thanksgiving Session’  by all the Core Members.  The Choir Group sung the beautiful new Group Theme Hymn ‘Jezu Mori Zuze’ composed by the Choir member Lancy Noronha,  in honour of  ’The Holy Family’, Patron of this Prayer Group.
The Stage program was initiated by the Core member Prajval Colaco by welcoming the honorary guests and the gathering.  Parish Priest - Fr. Peter,  Group’s Spiritual Director - Fr. Fredrick D’Souza and Vice-Coordinator of  St. Mary’s Konkan Community [SMKC] - Bonifas Carlo were present on the stage as distinguished guests and were felicitated with flower bouquets,  presented by cute and little members of the Group.

Herbert Menezes, Coordinator of the Prayer Group presented Annual Report. Fr. Peter in his message expressed his happiness on the growth of the prayer group.  He appreciated the care and effort taken by the Group to strengthen the piousness of the faithful and special attention given to the brethren living in the camps.  Group Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Freddy in his message highlighted the value of prayer,  specially in the families and stressed to seek the blessings of the Holy Trinity in every aspect of our lives.   He also took the opportunity to thank the Parish Priest Fr. Peter for all the support and love he has been extending to this Prayer Group. Group Advisor, Sydney Lewis rendered vote of thanks.  Then all the Core members distributed the remembrance cards to all the attendees to mark the celebration. 

This followed with the cultural programme comprising of music, songs, short skits and spot prizes. Able and witty Comperers Lawrance D’souza and  Lavina Mathias conducted the program with great charm and sense of time.  Choir Group members Lancy Noronha,  Roshan D’Souza,  Jerina Lewis,  Shyna Noronha entertained the crowd by singing melodious Konkani songs. Young members Lanita Noronha and  Calvin Rodrigues showed their great dance skills. Foot tapping music was the highlight of the program which was played by famous musician Vijay Noronha and assisted by Rakesh D’Souza. 

Comedian Vinod Rodrigues, and his friends Jeevan Pais & James Pinto were hilarious in performing various short skits.  Group members Sunita Rodrigues and Reena Fernandes  were great in enacting a famous song ‘Mai Sunechi Ladai’. 

The celebration ended with sumptuous dinner catered through famous ‘Canara Restaurant’  Karama.