Report by Clarence Pinto
Pics: Dilip Correa    
Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat (GA)

Oman, Dec 1: The Pangalites in Oman marked the beginning of the Advent by getting together with families and their friends under the banner Muscat United Pangalites to celebrate the spirit of Christmas on Friday November 28, 2008.   The celebration began with a prayer conducted by Henry G Martis during which a special prayer was offered towards the people suffering owing to the terrorist attacks in Mumbai and  Sunita Nazareth read the word of God.

The new committee for the year 2009 was called onto the dais and introduced to the gathering . The new committee consists of:

President :  Jerry Rodrigues
Vice President: Remy Lobo
Treasurer: Prakash D’sa
Secretary: Sunita Nazareth
Public relations in-charge: Arun Lobo
Media correspondent: Sunil D’Sa   
Honorary advisors: Henry G.Martis, Stany Jovin Menezes

Sub-committee members : Naveen Barboza, Richard Lobo, Flavia Menezes,  Trecilla Menezes and Lavina D’Sa.

The new president Jerry Rodrigues addressed the audiences and asked the Pangalites to stay united and to help the church activities back at home.

Arun Lobo who celebrated his birthday on this day was wished with the birthday song.  

The Santa Claus was welcomed by the overwhelmed children. He not only danced with the children but also gave them chocolates and a sweet little Christmas message.     

Various games organized for the children and adults brought the audience more closer and were whole-heartedly enjoyed by one and all.

A grand bonanza was conducted by Sunil D’Sa, Prakash D’Sa and Sheryl Menezes and the prizes to all the winners were given away by Jerry Rodrigues.

Lavina D’Sa offered the prayer before lunch and then the gathering enjoyed the lunch prepared by Queen’s restaurant, Al-Khuwair.

Sunita Nazareth proposed the vote of thanks.

The children danced to various  hip-hop Hindi numbers and entertained the crowd while the adults in audience  enjoyed the Baila dance after the sumptuous lunch.

Melwin Menezes compered the whole programme.

The gathering dispersed  with sweet memories of the day and happiness of meeting their loved ones from Pangla.