News: Flora D’souza

Mumbai, Feb 11: On the occasion of its first anniversary, Bombay Catholic Sabha of St Jude’s Church Jerimeri Unit organized a memorable and meaningful ‘Sports Day’ on Sunday, February 7 for all the parishioners at St Jude’s School Ground.

The event began with welcoming the gathering by vice chairman Flora D’Souza, followed by invocation. Secretary Kevin D’Souza  presented an overview of the event.

The event kick started with march past by Lavina, Velencia and Leander holding BCS Flag,  followed by all participants, guests along with managing committee members, spiritual director-Fr Lancy Pinto, principal, Fr Maxwel Furtado, Fr Gabriel, chairman, Leo Fernandes, secretary Kevin D’Souza, treasurer, Antony Susairaj, sports coordinator, Anthony Cruz Chettiar  and all committee members  - Walter D’Souza, Augustin Kuttikat, Victor Pereira, Joyce D’Souza, Clara Karkera, Joaquim Godinho, Elias Pinto, Anita Fernandes and Youth Sabha members– Daniel, Denzil, Cyril, Britto, Steffy, Chris, Prabhu, Roshan, Antony, Sirus and others.
Chief guest, Gordan D’Souza, president Bombay Catholic Sabha, archdiocese of Mumbai, while delivering his speech said, “This is the ‘Holy Year of Mercy’ which is a time of grace, peace, conversion and joy.”

He requested people of every age to maintain peace, love and extend helping hand to the needy.  He congratulated the organizers for holding such a professional event for whole parish within a short period.

Guest of honour, Lawrence D’Souza, vice president, Bombay Catholic Sabha, archdiocese of Mumbai said, “Successful people maintain good habits that go hand in hand with success in every area of endeavour, which develops a reputation.  A unit of one year old has displayed its capability by organizing activities. All this was possible only because of enthusiasm and commitment from members and support of parish priests.”

Anand Castelino, general secretary of BCS was also present on the dais.

All the guests lit the traditional lamps at the beginning of the programme.

Fr Lancy marked the beginning of the event and lit the sport torch and handed it over to Fr Maxwell, Br Kanikadas respectively.

Senior citizen Helen Nair led all participants in oath taking ceremony.

More than 30 games were organized for various age groups right from 5 years to senior citizens like Potato Race for Tiny Tots, 100/200/400/500 Mtrs. running race, Relay, Needle & thread, Leman & spoon race, 3 legs race for couple, reverse walking, book balancing etc. 

Committee members & youth Sabha members were the judges for the event.

All the games were appreciated and supported with lots of cheers from their respective zones and the atmosphere was friendly, fun-filled and sporty.

Evening event was full of entertainment like telly games, music, dance and prize distribution. Rita D’Sa, general secretary, BCS  was the chief guest. 

Among five zones – Ekta, Jasmine, Prem-chaya, Nav jeevan & Nayee Disha, the Jasmine zone team emerged victorious and lifted the rolling trophy, Ekta zone was adjudged the runners up in a thrilling finish.

The event concluded with prize distribution by parish priest Fr Lancy Pinto, principal Fr Maxwell Furtado, Sr Dominica, senior citizens of the parish and committee members.

The rolling trophy was presented to the winners Jasmine zone team by Fr Lancy Pinto.

Kevin D’souza, Antony Chettiar, Velencia D’Souza & Lavina D’Souza compered the event. Chairman Leo Fernandes proposed vote of thanks.