Media Release
Pics: Alban D'Souza
Kuwait, Apr 23: The executive committee members of Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK), along with their families gathered at Caesars Dakshin Restaurant, Jleeb Shuyoukh, Kuwait on Tuesday April 22 to meet and greet the visiting bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo.
The bishop is in Kuwait on an invitation from Kuwait Canara Welfare Association of Kuwait (KCWA), which is scheduled to celebrate its 25th anniversary on Friday April 25.
The programme started with a traditional thanksgiving prayer recited by SWAK secretary Doris Lobo. In her prayer she thanked almighty God for giving such a wonderful opportunity to meet the bishop and exchange views personally.
The dais was graced by SWAK president, Alwyn D'Souza, who wholeheartedly welcomed Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo along with Fr Noel Almeida, assistant parish priest, St Daniel Comboni parish, Kuwait, Lawrence D’Souza, proprietor of Caesars Group of Companies and honorary member of SWAK, along with his wife Ann D’Souza and son Ralf D’Souza, general manager of Caesars Group of Companies.
The president also welcomed the committee members and their families to have a one-to-one interaction session with the bishop of Roman Catholic diocese of Udupi.
The distinguished guests were felicitated by SWAK president Alwyn D'Souza with floral bouquets.
SWAK media representative Clifford D’Souza gave a brief introduction about Kuwait, the advent of Vicariate of Kuwait, its followers and the background of SWAK Kuwait. He explained the active role of SWAK and its constant efforts towards social cause and welfare.
SWAK has completed its existence of 20 years this year in serving the poor and less fortunate with support in education and other basic needs such as shelter, sickness, disabled and various needs.
Soon after the introductory session, vice-president Urban D’Souza shared details of Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo in his early priesthood days and his past connection to Shirva. He reminisced fond memories about the bishop and also focused on his achievements during his tenure as assistant parish priest of Shirva.
Honorary member of SWAK Lawrence D’Souza presented a memento as a token of remembrance to the bishop.
Later Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo addressed the SWAK gathering. He too dwelled on his past achievements while serving as assistant parish priest of Shriva soon after he was ordained. Due to his active participation in religious and social events, he knows and remembers every family in Shriva even today. Since Shriva parish is the most popular under Udupi diocese, he has a dream to see many individuals excelling in several fields with higher ranks. Among his various visions, it his desire to elevate Udupi diocese to one of the top most dioceses in India. The bishop shared his views on various aspects and the vision of the newly formed Udupi diocese and expressed his desire to focus on education and representation of community in various fields in government and other sectors.
In his address, the bishop praised SWAK's service to mankind and said although he was away from Shirva, he had maintained a close relation with SWAK through the parish magazine 'Saud Sandesh' for which SWAK is the sponsor. He has personally seen and experienced the good works of SWAK towards the social welfare, he said.
Auditor Anil Menezes thanked the guests, organizers and the attendees. He also thanked the Kuwait Canara Welfare Association Kuwait (KCWA) for giving an invaluable opportunity to meet the bishop.
A general discussion followed between the bishop and the gathering.
Lawrence D'Souza also thanked the bishop, and he himself being a native of Shirva, pledged his constant support to SWAK endeavors.
Fr Noel Almeida said the grace before meal. President Alwyn D’Souza welcomed all for dinner in a traditional style.
The sumptuous dinner buffet prepared by Caesars Dakshin Restaurant was relished by everyone.