Dubai: Belman Parishioners Celebrate Annual Fest of Patron Saint
By Jacob Lobo  - Belmangar.com

Dubai, May 30: Parishioners of Belman residing in United Arab Emirates (UAE), gathered at AL Mas Hotel apartment hall along with family and friends to celebrate the feast of their patron St Joseph Belman.

The celebration started at noon with a prayer to St Joseph. It was conducted by Amitha, Jeneviw and Cecelia D’Silva.

Vincent D’Mello, master of the ceremony, called for a one-minute silent prayer for the departed soul of committee member Ashok D’Souza and souls of the Mangalore plane crash victims.

The programme was inaugurated by chief guest Thomas Monteiro who had arrived all the way from Mumbai for the event. 

Walter Monteiro, current president of Bethkati Dubai, delivered a warm welcome and promised to work for the all round development of the St Joseph Bethkati Sangh. He also requested all the parishioners of Belman, who are in UAE, to support the group and thanked all the guests for attending the celebration.

All the new committee members including president Walter Monteiro, vice-president Anil Cardoza, secretary Aloysius D’Souza, treasurer Pius D’Cruz, and outgoing president Jacob Lobo, were called to the stage.  All the office-bearers took oath for a two-year tenure.

Dayan D’Souza, founder co-ordinator of Daiji Dubai, Konkani writers’ forum in the UAE, was the guest of honour. He praised the efforts of Belman parishioners in building the association and carrying it forward successfully. He made special mention of the good attendance by the parishioners. 

Daijiworld editor-in-chief Walter Nandalike and his wife Wilma D’Souza were honoured for their valuable contribution to the Mangalorean Konkani community, specially being from Belman, and his achievements in recent times. 

Beautiful dances were staged by young dancers like Gavin, Delvin, Seema, and Inish.

There were many games for everyone and many attractive prices were given away; a special prize was given on the entry ticket to one lucky person. A wonderful Konkani song was sung by Robert.

As a gesture of thanks all generous sponsors were honoured for their support. Delicious Mangalorean food prepared by Canara Restaurant, Dubai, was served on the occasion.

Vincent D’Mello beautifully compered the entire event.

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