Report : Tressy Goveas
Photos : Joachim D Souza
Muscat, Apr 29: For the Ghala Mangalorean Catholic Community (GMCC) parishioners of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Ghala, Sultanate of Oman, Saturday April 22 marked a significant day.
A High Mass in Konkani began at 5.30 pm was celebrated by Fr Wison Rumao, main parish priest, in the presence of a large Konkani speaking community followed by the inauguration of the ‘Konkani Divas‘ cultural programme at the parish hall from 7 pm onwards with the new committee.
Fr Wilson congratulated the community leaders and blessed the entire congregation. He emphasised on Konkani to be spoken and used amongst the upcoming generation. The programme began with a beautiful prayer song from the well known Gloria Choir sung by versatile singers Charlotte D’souza and Joel Mendonca with music supported by Triven Goveas, lyrics and song composed by Jawahar Pinto.
Fr Wilson wished the inaugural event a grand success which encapsulated the Mangalurean cultural and traditional fervour by bringing the community together. He was honoured with a flower bouquet by the committee president Edward Mendonca.
This was followed by an introduction to the new committee by the ever dynamic leader and master of ceremony Clarence Pinto. He introduced the 2017 – 2019 GMCC
committee members headed by:
• President - Edward Mendonca
• Vice president – Sunil Furtado
• General secretary - Tressy Fatima Goveas
• Finance secretary – Alwin Fernandes
• Cultural secretary – Joel Mendonca
• Choir secretary – Charlotte Dsouza
• Spiritual and cultural secrataries – Helen Sequeira and Gracy Barboza
• Sports secretary – Teril Saldanha
• Community services in-charge – Prem Colaco and Aslita Dsouza
The members were called on stage and a speech about the goals and commitments of the present committee with a brief description of each member and their constant dedication, involvement towards the welfare to church and the Konkani speaking community was narrated.
The inauguration of the new GMCC logo was the highlight of the event, a well designed LED banner and one of a kind logo with an enigmatic – emotional theme song was played in the background by the resident DJ- Shailesh Sequeira.
All former presidents were felicitated for their contribution and those long serving Ghala parishioners who had completed more than 30 years of service in their companies and the Konkani community were felicitated with a flower bouquet and souvenir namely: Austin Mendonca (retired) and Rosanne Mendonca (Oman aviation sector- Oman Air ) and Ambrose Benedict Noronha (Al Taher Group - electromechanics). In the words of Clarence, “Their valuable service will never be forgotten.”
The event flowed gracefully while the young and dashing Joel Mendonca (cultural coordinator) took over as master of ceremony from Clarence Pinto. He began the second part of the programme with a lovely song about the importance of Konkani.
The tiny tots of the Ghala parish performed an amazing dance in the event that followed, with their glittery costumes and beautiful smiles, that brought an immense applause from the crowd.
The children who participated in the dance were Nathan D’Souza, Tania Saldhana, Michelle Pinto, Gloria Barboza, Anisha Dcosta, Ashvita Cutinho, Harleen Pinto, Laura D’Sa, Francesca Colaço, Delishya D’Souza. The dance was choreographed by Lizzy Barboza.
This was followed by a children's song, sung by Meurel D’Souza, Chelsea D’Sa, Lizzy Barboza, Melina Goveas, Riya Lobo, Aishal D’Souza, Tanish Saldanha, Joston Pereira, Cheryl D’Sa trained and tutored by Charlotte D’Souza and with excerpts from the CD ’Ho Jeev’ from Jaison.
Comedy drama by master of comedians Praveen Serra and Peter Fernandes entertained the gathering with their best one-liners and well timed dialogue delivery skills bringing the house to echoes of laughter.
Spot prizes and games at regular intervals were conducted by Vinod Terrance who surprised everyone with his unique and witty spot games.
A dance by the ladies of the community followed next with their graceful moves and authentic Mangalurean dresses, which were truly astounding. The participants were Reshma D’Costa, Tina Saldanha, Hendrita Colaço, Caroline Pinto, Pramila Nazareth and Sunita Furtado. Dance was choreographed by Priyanka Mendonca.
A well spirited dance by Ghaletian Rocker came up next. The participants were Priyanka Mendonca, Liza D’Sa, Elrica Frank, Aveline D’Souza, Rebecca D’Souza, Natasha Noronha Dance was choreographed by Priyanka Mendonca, as they enthralled the audience with western and fusion styles with an explosion of applause.
Tombola attracted full house participation as a fitting finale to the event. Attractive prizes, gift vouchers, flight tickets and prizes from esteemed sponsors were won.
Prior to closing Sunil Furtado (vice president) proposed the vote of thanks and thanked the sponsors, volunteers, cultural event organisers, authorities and all members of the committee who were instrumental in organizing and supporting the event.
Grace before meals was offered by Nirmala Goveas. As a gesture, Mangalurean traditional dinner was prepared by Gracy and Henry Castelino, and mouth watering vorn (dessert) prepared by Ignatius Lobo and Celine Lobo.
The memorable Konkani Divas day event concluded on a good note.
Sponsors of the event were Roney Bernard Dcunha – Greatline Enterprises, Francis and Molly Pinto, Wilbur D’Souza, Thomas and Aslita D’Souza, Yvette Furtado, Lawrence Alva, Jenny Joseph, Thomas Pinto, Lilly and Oswald D’Souza, Ghanim Al Bathahari – Nimr Contracting, John Gonsalves, Robert D’Souza, Ramah Ramesh, Ivan Gonsalves, Vijai D’Cunha, Issac D’Souza, Shalini Enrique and Mehboob Khan.
Programme / gift sponsors: Ignatius and Celine Lobo, Malabar Gold – courtesy Philomena Mendonca, Roshan Mendonca, AL Raha– Courtesy Clive and Loretto, Islanda Nuns, Khimjis Ramdas– Madhu Jesrani– courtesy Ajith D’Costa, Pran – Fruit Drink.
Main event sponsors were Air Arabia – Airline Sponsors, Assarain food products – Courtesy Priya Menezes, Assarain Food Products – courtesy – Philip D’Souza, Mamasan Restaurant – Al Ghobra, Olivos Restaurant and Terrace Hotel Radisson Blu, Kargeen Café and Four season tourism.
Vounteers of the event were: Raphael Llyod, Sunil D’Souza, John Secundas, John Fernandes, Joseph D’Souza and Lawrence D’Souza with a special support from Philomena Mendonca, Eugene Sequeira, Triven Goveas, Ajay Barboza and Meera Saldanha.