Dubai: Colourful Ceremony Marks ‘Little Flowers of Mukamar’ Launch
By Ramcy Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network—Dubai (CN)
Dubai, Sep 25: Parishioners of St Theresa Church, Mukamar (Udupi district, Shirva Varado), spread around UAE had all reason to rejoice as they formed the first ever association of their parish outside India in the past 28 years.
‘Little Flowers of Mukamar’ was officially launched by Francis Fernandes Cascia, chief guest of the function and well-known dramatist, in a colorful programme organized at Al Mas Hotel Apartment, here on Friday September 24.
The day-long programe began around 12.30 pm with a formal welcome by Dony Correa, famous compere from Dubai. A theme song was composed and presented by the office-bearers of the association.
Cascia was the chief guest at the function. Ronald Colaco, NRI entrepreneur, Felix Lobo from Doha, and Walter Nandalike of Daijiworld.com, were the guests of honour. Godwin Corda, president of the newly formed association, and Dayan D’Souza, chief advisor who put much effort into the formation of the organization, were also present as guests.
Launching the function in a unique manner, Cascia called upon all the parishioners spread across UAE to unite in promoting the fragrance of St Theresa. He asked them to support the needy back home and around the UAE.
Ronald Colaco urged all the smaller associations around UAE to be united, and asked them to come under one umbrella during times of need. He wished the association all the best.
Walter Nandalike recalled the unification of Mukamar Church in the past 28 years and reminded the gathering of how it was an undivided part of Belman parish upto 1982. He hailed the efforts of the late William Noronha, late Maurice D’Souza and others who were instrumental in founding the independent church.
Felix Lobo too congratulated the association and pledged his support. Corda welcomed the guests and the audience while Dayan D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.
Multi-talented Dony Correa kept the audience on their toes with his witty compering skills and melodious numbers along with his singer wife Asha Correa.
Various dances, skits, and other events were presented by the talented parishioners.
The founder presidents of Shirva Varado associations in the UAE were presented tokens of appreciation for their efforts in initiating their respective organizations in UAE. Frank D’Souza of Shirva, Michael Castelino of Pangla, Santan Alva of Pamboor, Dinesh Correa of Pernal, and others were present to accept the honour.
A letter from Fr Victor D’Souza, parish priest, Mukamar, was read out by Reshma Lobo. Members took the initiative to raise funds for the requirements of Mukamar Church.
The office-bearers of the association are Godwin Corda (president), Reshma Lobo (vice-president), Sundeep D’Souza (secretary), and Shalini Rasto (joint secretary), Praveen D’Souza (treasurer), Henry Barboza (cultural secretary), and Reena Fernandes (public relations officer).
Silvia Sequeira, Praveen Nazareth, Johnson Mendonca, Cyril Fernandes, Roy Saldanha, Saritha D’Souza and Vincent Fernandes were selected as core committee members while the zonal representatives were Jerald Fernandes for Fujairah, Sundeep Mendonca for Al-Ain, Glen Fernandes for Sharjah, and Wilson D’Souza for Abu Dhabi.
Rolwin Mathias has been selected as Mukamar parish representative while Dayan D’Souza and Lancy D’Souza are the advisors.