News and pics: Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (EP)

Mumbai, Nov 18: 'Konkan Kalzan' association of Konkani community of coastal region at St Antony Church on Sakinaka Kherani road celebrated
their silver jubilee on Saturday, November 15. Rt Rev Percival J E Fernandes, Assistant Bishop of Mumbai Roman Catholic diocese offered
thanksgiving mass at St Antony Church and added to the gaiety of the celebrations.

Bishop Percival in his sermon said that the almighty blesses those who serve selflessly. The disciples of Jesus though illiterate had
indulged in the service of others and are popular even after thousands of years. Similarly those who have come forward to serve in social
service groups should work on their own accord, he said. He said that we should be committed to the formation of healthy society.

St Antony church chief priest Fr Ajith Bhandhekar, assistant priest and religious director of the association Fr Julius D' Souza, Fr Alex
Carvalho, Fr Simon D' Souza, Fr Ivan Madtha, Fr Simon Tuskano and Fr Kriri Sostan participated in the mass. Konkan Kalzan group sang hymns under the guidance of Charles D' Cunha Borivli.

Chief guest, Assistant Bishop Percival Fernandes lighted the lamp, inaugurated the programme and released the silver jubilee souvenir. He
honored Fr Alex Carvalho, founder director of the association. Model bank executive president Albert W D' Souza released the memento of the
silver jubilee and praised the service of the association. Well known dramatist and comedian Francis Fernandes, Cascia and local well known
businessman and social worker John Sequeira and priests were present.

The celebrations of the 25th year is a milestone. It is also a honor for selfless service. It is easy to buy an elephant but difficult to
look after it. Similarly it is easy to start organizations but difficult to continue with them. The community here is service
oriented and inspires arts and culture and nurtures them. May the association run for many more years and serve, said Albert D' Souza.

President Antony Tauro welcomed, gave a key note address and recollected the service of one of the founder members of Konkan
Kalzan, dramatist and drama director Pintam Derebail. Secretary Violet Aranha read the service report of 25th year. Association Vice
president Henry Fernandes, Joint secretary Anitha Fernandes, Treasurer Rajesh Rodrigues, former president Alex Monteiro, cultural secretary
Stany Salis, Noel D' Mello, Lilly D' Costa and other office bearers who were present offered flower bouquets to the guests and felicitated
them.

Geo Agrar compered the programme. Alphonso Crasta proposed Vote of thanks. Alreed Crasta and party presented dance skit and Fr Ivan
Madtha presented Magic show based on the holy Bible.