News: Vijai D’Cunha (G-kere)

Pics: Joachim Dsouza

Muscat, Sep 3: The Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP – Sts Peter and Paul Church), a Konkani speaking Mangalorean Catholic Association at the foremost in Oman, celebrated the 28th year Inaugural Day under the leadership of Jessie Vivian Pereira, stepping towards yet another glorious year of celebrations with a wonderful and fun filled Inaugural Day function at the main hall of Sts Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi. 

The inaugural day ceremony began with a solemn mass in Konkani celebrated by Fr Mariyan Miranda, who is also the Spiritual Director of MCCP, at the Sts Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi, in the presence of record number of faithful of the Konkani origin. Apolinaris D’Souza led the Choir team comprising Dilip Correa, Loveline Rego, Valerian Peris, Anita Lobo, Elizabeth Noronha, Flavia Castelino, Flavia Dsouza, Freeda Suares, Leera Aranha, Philomena Saldanha, Reena Dsouza, Reena Mahesh D’Souza, Reshma D’ Çosta, Wilma Peris, Stany Suares, Harald Lewis and Key Board by Ashwitha Aranha. Soon after the Mass, the crowd gathered at the main parish hall for the cultural programme. A delicious breakfast was also served.   

Kitli Dadoskai hi Kitli Dadoskai …. Konkani ami uloitavum hi amchi dadoskai (Great Joy for us …. Because we speak our mother tongue, Konkani), a legendary MCCP anthem composed by ‘Konkani Sangeethacho Rai Kunvar’ (Muscat Konkani Music world’s Prince) Oswald D’ Souza almost 28 years ago titled ‘Parameshwara’ echoed into the hall to give an enchanting beginning to the programme, followed with a dance by ‘Little Angels’ group comprising Adele Reeva Dsouza, Aman Dcosta, Derrick David Correa, Harleen Maria Pinto, Lovette Rachel Rego, Laurette Rego, Mayola Pais, Rochelle Catrina Correa, Shavin Chris D'Souza, Shaima Persly Mascarenhas, which was choreographed by Pramila Pais. Apolinaris D’Souza, a renowned composer and lyricist felicitated all the participants and the choreographer with gifts. 

The day’s festivities began with the master of ceremonies, Lavina D’Sa, a well-known compere par excellence, ever smiling and charming personality of the Mangalorean community, extending a warm welcome to the gathering. Clarence Pinto, most respected and vibrant leader of the community, on behalf of the Core Committee of the MCCP announced the changes that were adopted in their by-law, as per which effective from the current year the tenure of the executive committee stands changed to two years instead of earlier term of one year. 

Introduction of the new Executive Committee for the year 2019 – 2021 was then conducted by Lavina D’sa, who gave a brief description of each of the committee member, following which respective member presented themselves on stage. After the introduction, all the committee members joined on stage and performed a beautiful group dance to a notable tune steadfastly demonstrating their energetic spirit, and giving a glimpse of assurance to the community on their ability to lead the association in the next 2 years. 

The new Executive Committee for the year 2019-21 includes: 

Jessie Vivian Pereira (President), Monica Fernandis (Vice President - Sports & Finance), Vinod Terence D’ Souza (Vice President – Cultural, Spiritual & CS), Silvia Dias (General Secretary), Victoria Trecilla Menezes (Honorary Treasurer), Sharon Alva (Internal Auditor), Reshma D Costa (Sports Secretary), Praveen Donald Serra (Cultural Secretary), Vikas Marshal Fernandes (Spiritual Secretary),Merita Pinto (Community Services Secretary). 

Fr Mariyan Miranda and the chief guests of the day, Clifford Sanctis and Lydia Sanctis, a well-known entrepreneur, were escorted to the stage by Monica Fernandes and Terrence Dsouza respectively, and were greeted with flower bouquet by the president, Jessie Pereira. Fr Mariyan Miranda, spiritual director, then briefly spoke on the occasion and wished all the best to the new Executive Committee. This followed by lighting the lamp to mark the beginning of the 28th year of MCCP by Fr Mariyan Miranda, Clifford Sanctis, Lydia Sanctis and Jessie Pereira. The Committee members in sequence then filled Rice to the Kalshi (Large earthen pot), symbolizing a new beginning which is also a native tradition before starting of any event. 

An impressive logo designed by Vijai D’Cunha was then unveiled which featured the theme of the year 'Zodchya Monani Ekvotavyam Amcho Samuday‘ (Connect our minds, unite our community). The logo making competition that was held earlier was won by Vijai D’Cunha, who has been winning this competition for the last three consecutive years, and was felicitated by presenting a crystal memento by the President, Jessie Pereira. 

In the presidential address, Jessie Pereira laid down her vision for uniting the community and bringing everyone to the fold. She expressed her commitment in upholding MCCP’s objectives. She also spoke on the history of Konkani language and the origin and spread of Konkani speaking Catholics in and around the coastal city of Mangalore and Udupi Districts. She also emphasized the role of MCCP in protecting and promoting the native language, traditions and culture over the years. The successive MCCP’s Executive Committee’s always stood by an aim to unite and lead our community year by year and make it grow stronger, she said. 

The curtain then rose on the ‘Dance’ session with a spellbinding performance by ‘Konkan steps & Beats’ comprising of Anisha Jeslita D’Costa, Calida Simona Machado, Christine Angline Danthi, Loveletta Rachel Rego and Reia Caron Correa. The dance was choreographed by Calida Simona Machado, who along with her team was then felicitated with Gifts by Monica Fernandes. 

A presentation on the MCCPs website www.mccpoman.com was done by Monica Fernandes, who briefed on the online membership registration process, and gave a detailed information on the MCCP portal. She also explained on the MCCP’s upcoming plans to have active engagement with the community through the regular interactions in the digital and social media platforms. Terence D'souza, gave details of the proposed events that are being planned for the year 2019-2021, and sought the cooperation of the community for its success. 

Maghir Kain na, poora Tujenth, a rib tickling comedy show was presented by Peter Fernandes along with his team comprising, Jaison Cardoza, Preema D'souza, Dalton Prasanna, Noel Kayyar, Loyd Pernal, Carol Pernal, Lawrence Pernal, and Vinitha Pernal. The audience were thoroughly enjoyed with their fun filled punches through-out. All the participants were then felicitated with gifts by Terence D’ Souza. 

A ceremony of honoring the meritorious students of standard X and XII of the academic year 2018-19 was conducted by Silvia Dias. Lawrence Alva – CEO of National Training Institute and a well-known Philanthropist and Community Leader honoured all the toppers of grade X and XII. 

Students who achieved more than 85% in Std X were Aaron Saldanha, Calvin Machado, Chelsea D’Sa, Clive Danthi, Crystal Rodrigues, Gail Castelino, Liza D’sa, Meural D’souza, Sharon Menezes, Steve Lobo and Steve Menezes. 

Students who achieved more than 85% in Std XII were Aanice S Álmeida, Adventina Rodrigues, Gavin Leema, Joel Menezes, Melita Rodrigues, Neil Fernandes, Pearl Menezes and Venessa Rego. 

Bollywood Style Mix, a dance choreographed by Priyanka Edna Mendonca under the group name ‘Sparkling dance Crew’ was presented by Tanya Saldanha, Siona Saldanha, Delishya D'souza, Cherryl D’Sa, Nysah Barboza, and Jaden D'souza. The crowd enthralled by the excellent performance by the little children. Trecilla Menezes felicitated with gifts to all the participants and choreographer as well. 

For the first time in the history of MCCP, the outstanding and established entrepreneurs from the Community, who are the role models to the young generation in encouraging hard work, dedication and philanthropical works in the community were honoured. Clifford Sanctis, managing director of Hydrotec International LLC, Denis Mascarenhas, managing director of Prestige Projects & Engineering Supplies Co LLC, Rapheal Quadras, managing director of Zahrat Al-Rawdah Trading, Rapheal Dsouza, managing director of Muscat Golden Services LLC, Wilber Dsouza, managing director of Icon Modern International LLC, and Dilip Correa, managing director of Sky United Logistics LLC, were honoured by MCCP’s Core Committee members comprising Stanely Fernandes, Clarence Pinto, Donald Pinto, and John Gonsalves. 

A well-known entrepreneur from the community Ligoury D’Mello and Margret D’Mello, who are the ardent supporters and benefactors of MCCP for the past many years now, were also the nominated recipients of the MCCPs felicitations for their remarkable achievements, however they could not make up to the event due to their prior commitments. All the Sponsors and donors of the event were then felicitated by the President with flower bouquets. Monica Fernandes read out the names of event sponsors and thanked them for their generosity and support. 

It was then time for a sumptuous lunch. Vikas Fernandes conducted the prayer invoking God's grace and then offered the traditional Chembu and Udhak to the guests. 

Post-lunch session began with a musical medley presented by a highly talented group of artists, namely Reena D'Souza, Ronson D'Souza, Melita Sheela Alva, Zino Micheal Saldanha, Renita D’Souza, Jason Cardoza. They sang seven beautiful Konkani songs in a well-coordinated sequence and was well appreciated by the crowd. Praveen Serra coordinated and compered the programme. Sharon Alva, and Reshma D’Costa felicitated and handed over gifts to all the singers. 

In order to encourage and promote the positive achievements in Sports, MCCP organized a facilitation ceremony this time for the Young achievers from the community. Clifford Sanctis, chief guest honoured Priyanka Edna Mendonca, Merita Pinto and Amanda Dcosta for their outstanding achievement in Cricket, and also for having representing Oman in women’s National Cricket team at the International Level. 

The various winners in the online competition conducted in the MCCP website during the last few months were presented with prizes. Two winners picked, out of the lot from the correctly answered monthly quiz participants and were given away with the prizes. A lucky draw among the members who renewed the membership at the venue was conducted and two winners were rewarded with the prizes. The bonanza draw was also conducted by Monica Fernandes, Terence D’ Souza, Trecilla Menezes, and Praveen Serra, and the various winners were then handed over with the prizes. 

The various winners are as below: 

The president felicitated and gave away a gift to each of the event supporting individuals as a token of appreciation for all their support and contribution for the success of the event. Finally, Praveen Serra proposed vote of thanks to one and all who made the event a great success. At the end, Housie draw was conducted by Terence D’Souza, Praveen Serra and Sharon Alva, and the winners were given away with various prizes. 

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