Report : Clarence Pinto
Pics : Arun Jivraj Lobo
Muscat, Jun 2: The Mangalureans of Holy Spirit Church, Ghala need to be greatly applauded for staging a day of celebration for all Mangalureans residing in Muscat. It was a grand programme of sharing true Mangalurean tradition and joy of togetherness at one venue. Under the dynamic leadership of Michael Goveas, his vibrant team and the multi-talented members of the community, Tthe Mangalurean Catholics of the Ghala parish hosted an amazing event titled 'Ghala Konkani Dabazo 2015' in the main parish hall of the Holy Spirit Church - Ghala on Friday May 29.
The day-long programme commenced with a high mass in Konkani by the parish priest of Holy Spirit Church, Ghala Fr Albert D'Silva. The holy readings and prayers of the mass were presented by Meera Saldanha, Prema Pinto and John Gonsalves. The Konkani choir under the leadership of Canan D'Souza offered devotional and beautiful hymns to enhance the spiritual feelings of the congregation. The choir members were Jawahar Pinto, Joel Mendonca, Joyal D'Souza, Cavin D'Souza, Charlet Cutinha, Leanne Caldeira, Ida Pinto, Hubert D'Souza, Rion D'Souza, Rony Lobo and Canan D'Souza. Avil Cutinha supported the choir with music on keyboard.
The cultural programme started in the main hall of the church with Joel Mendonca presenting the theme song 'Manglur Devala' which was supported by Joyal D'Souza. Welcome dance by Lizzie Barboza gave a perfect start to the function.
The following outgoing committee members of the year 2013 – 2015 were honoured by Fr Albert D'Silva:
Michael Goveas - President and parish council member
Edward Mendonca - Vice-president
Robert Saldanha - Treasurer
Helen Sequeira - Liturgical secretary
Glenda Castelino - Cultural secretary
Ronald Lobo - Co-ordinator
The following new committee members for the year 2015 – 2017 were also honoured:
Jawahar Pinto - President and parish council member
Canon D'Souza - Vice-president
Ruby Rodrigues - General secretary
Peter Fernandes - Cultural secretary
Praveen Sera - Treasurer
Philomena Mendonca - Co-ordinator
Joseph D'Souza - Co-ordinator
An advisory committee was selected with Stany Menezes, John Gonsalves, Michael Goveas, Claude Frank and Clarence Pinto as members.
Young singer of the community and talented compere Joel Mendonca deftly anchored the full show.
The entertainment started with the classic comedy drama titled 'Kazarachi Dotorn' which was written by legendary Charles Sequeira. The actors of the drama, directed by Jawahar Pinto, were Peter Fernandes, Praveen Serra, Shailesh Cutinha and Brian Braggs.
A fusion dance was presented by Priyanka Mendonca, Michelle Gonsalves, Rebecca D'souza, Roshal Lobo and Elrica Frank, choreographed by Priyanka Mendonca. It was followed by a scintillating song sung by Ida Pinto titled 'Dis Raat Moga'.
A sumptuous lunch was prepared by Henry and Gracy Castelino – Barka known for their famous Mangalurean cuisine with dukra maas and sannas which had a perfect Mangalurean touch and flavour.
After the lunch, the entertainment continued. 'Tu sopnaanth yethai' by Triven Goveas and Ruby Fernandes, a magical dance by Anisha D'Costa, Justina Augustina song by Rion D'Souza and Amanda Pinto, 'Ye Chedwa Tuzo Mog' song by Leanne and Cavin D'Souza greatly entertained the audience.
Michael Goveas proposed the vote of thanks followed by housie-housie conducted by Joel Mendonca.
The sponsors of the event were Claude Frank, John Gonsalves, Sunil D'Sa, Sunil Furtado, Edward Mendonca, Michael Goveas, Jenny Joseph and Stany Menezes with special support from Raphael Quadras and Talentz LLC.
It was indeed a wonderful programme, well organized by the Ghala Mangalureans.