Media Release

Kuwait, May 6: In fellowship and in harmony, friends, relatives and family members of Belman parishioners in Kuwait celebrated the feast of their patron, Saint Joseph, on Friday, May 2nd at the auditorium of Don Bosco School, Kuwait.

Unlike the past celebrations, this one stood apart. It was of a different kind and by and large spectacular. Kuwait’s revered Parish Priest, Father Melvin D’Cunha, who was the guest of honour, in his opening address spoke eloquently about Saint Joseph, the Worker and recalled to mind the words of the Gospel Writer Mathew, who calls Saint Joseph “a just man”. Father Melvin appreciated the works of the little seedling BELWAK in reaching out to the poor and the needy and for its noteworthy accomplishments, which was earlier read out by BELWAK’s imaginative joint secretary Priya D’Souza in her annual report.

President Tony D’Cruz was ecstatic in his welcome speech. He expressed delight at the presence of dignitaries and at the sizeable gathering of BELWAK’s parishioners, families and friends

On the feast day, prominent dignitaries were present, namely; Rev. Father Melvin, Deacon Sylvester, EX KCWA President Lawrance Pinto, Sr Roshal of St. Ann’s & Dr. Aravinda Rao. As customary on a feast day each year, BELWAK honours men and women who have contributed to the welfare of society. This day, a distinguished personality, Dr. Keshav A. Bhat, BDS,MDS hailing from Uppinangadi, was honoured by Sr.Roshal for his contribution to society in the field of dentistry. .

In the list of honour, some outstanding Belman parishioners (pride of Belman) won accolades:

• Preetham Elvis Mendonca, for academic excellence - stood first from Nitte High School in the Karnataka State Level SSLC Examinations 2007.
• Anil Joslynn D’Cruz for academic excellence - certificate of merit in Mechanical Engineering (Honors) from an Australian University.
• Carol & Sheryl Quadras, Gold medalist in Black Belt Karate Championship held at Kundapur.
• Leeann D’Souza & Joswin Rakesh D’Sa for sporting excellence in the State of Kuwait.

Apart from the honouring ceremony, elderly couples/woman of Belman parish who are on a visit to Kuwait were felicitated. Among them were:

• Mrs. Celestine & Mr Nicolas D’Sa (parents of Ex-President James D’Sa)
• Mrs. Gracy & Mr Cyprian D’Souza, and
• Mrs. Theresa  Noronha

Entertainment galore…..entertainment in abundance by DJ Mario and the scintillating dance performance by Jovas XLNC dance troupe (professionally tutored by professionals Sunil and Jyothi)  drew thunderous applause. Also entertaining to watch was the solo dance performance of little ones Venessa and Jane. The amusing Konkani Skit “STD Telephone Booth” enacted by Vimala, Ivin, Wilma, Ida, Lancy and young Joel captivated one and all. Numerous games for young and adults, spot prizes, raffle draw, housie-housie etc. remained a regular feature at this celebration. Over the years, Vincent Andrade consistently ranked first in raffle sale and this year he was followed closely by Marceline D’Souza and Rita Rodrigues.

Late afternoon at 2.30 pm, it was time to break for sumptuous buffet lunch prepared by Delhi Darbar. Deacon Sylvester was given the honour to lead the assembly in prayer (grace before meals) and thanksgiving. Deacon Sylvester spoke words of wisdom as he drew us to the age of the early Christians and the time of the apostles, during which, members would sacrifice by selling their belongings, and turning over the money to the church body and in turn the church provided for its members. Neither was there any among them that lacked in anything although they sold the lands and houses they possessed. He expressed that communal living, sharing and the spirit of unity of those early Christians should be the model for modern Christians. Further, he appreciated BELWAK for their works of charity (essence of good Christian living and the focal point for an association to continually thrive) and wished them good luck in all their future endeavors.
Vice President Henry D’Mello proposed the Vote of Thanks. He thanked the sponsors, members and committee members for their all-round support in staging this celebration, indeed of a different kind, indeed spectacular. 

The celebration drew to an end with the dazzling baila dance which just wouldn’t stop.

Cheers to the compere of the day, the resourceful Roshan D’Silva, who swayed the celebrants brilliantly all through this celebration & Spot games by the Consultant Mr Francis Menezes.