By Inez Lobo
Muscat, Jan 24: "People without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture are like a tree without roots." - Marcus Garvey
Twenty five years ago, in the year 1992, a few enthusiastic Mangalurean culture lovers such as Robert Coutinho, MickMax, Walter Monterio and Gerry D’ Mello, who were then living in Muscat, met and decided to have a Manglorean Catholic Centre in the Sts Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi (MCCP). The late Fr Augustine Antao blessed this idea and permitted them to carry out its social and spiritual activities on the Church premises. Since then, MCCP has moved from strength to strength winning not only the hearts of hundreds of Mangaloreans in and arround Muscat but also of other community members. Fr Marian Miranda, the current assistant parish priest of Sts Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi is the spiritual advisor.
The prime objective of MCCP was to unite the Mangalurean Catholic (Konkani speaking) families from Ruwi and Ghala parishes under one banner and to actively involve them in the social, cultural and spiritual activities. These activities are not limited to Muscat alone but, are spread to the churches, institutions, and other social development programs in Mangaluru. This body works ardently to serve the Mangalorean Catholic Konkani speaking community in Mangaluru and Muscat. It would be wrong to say that everything went well from the word go. There was turmoil, and hardships at every step. But, the people at the helm of affairs, with their selfless service and commitment steered MCCP out of troubled waters year after year. Under the patronage of Sts Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi and the parish priest as its official advisor, MCCP had grown in strength year after year and now, is a name to be reckoned with internationally for its work in the community. These past 25 glorious years MCCP has definitely lived by its motto 'united to serve the community'.
Recognition and Achievements
It is indeed a great honour for MCCP to be recognized globally for its work towards keeping Mangalurean culture, traditions and language alive through its various cultural and social activities and also its community outreach activities. MCCP was one of the 25 Konkani associations around the world honored in the year 2010 by former President of India, Prathibha Patil.
Uplifting Mangalurean Spiritual Life, Culture, Traditions and the Konkani Language
MCCP considers uplifting Mangalurean traditions and culture as its main responsibility. This is clearly shown in its initiatives towards establishing Mangalurean traditions in the Ruwi and Ghala parishes. The song 'Parameshwara', a rendition by Oswald D’Souza and Water Monteiro, which narrates the greatness of homeland Mangaluru, honouring the immensity of Oman and Konkani, has become the anthem song for MCCP.
Spiritual Activities
Every year, MCCP organizes a Konkani spiritual programme during the Lenten season to enrich the spiritual experiences of the community. It also leads 'A day with the Lord' during the Holy Week; through stage shows with spiritual acts relevant to the season and celebration, quiz, and other activities with the help of local enthusiast Mangalurean.
It supports the presentation of 'Nine days Monthi Fest Novena' in Konkani, arranging for handpicked 'Novem' from Mangaluru, and inviting a guest priest from Mangaluru to concelebrate the High Mass in Konkani during Monthi Fest on a grand scale (Feast of Nativity of Mother Mary).
During the Christmas season MCCP organizes a number of activities such as 'Taste the Kuswar', 'Crib Competition', 'Christmas Carnival', Konkani Carol singing, a Christmas party, and entertainment by Santa Claus.
Members of MCCP actively involves in the parish activities by playing a major role in liturgical ministry, altar ervers ministry, choir ministry, ushers ministry, catechist, etc.
Cultural Activities
MCCP relentlessly organizes cultural events such as Konkani plays, musical nites, talent shows, etc, year after year to support Konkani artistes from Mangaluru. Some of the most memorable events of the past 25 years were:
Award winning Walter Monteiro’s 'Xegunachi Sunn' a Konkani play,
MickMax’s 'Sequieram Driver' a Konkani play
Arthur D’Souza’s drama 'Jivit', a Konkani play
Musical performances by Konkani Kogul, the (late) Wilfy Rebimbus and Konkan Maina Meena Rebimbus, Sangeeth Saamrat Henry D’Souza, Konkan Kala Ratan Shri Eric Ozario, Konkan Kalashree Claud D’Souza, Yodeling King Melwyn Peris, Anitha, Kevin Misquith etc.
Social and Community outreach activities
MCCP supports the community by honouring achievers with their fascinating stories of success to motivate and inspire others in the community. MCCP wants their children, the pillars of our society to excel in their studies and their innate talents. In order to motivate children, it honours academic excellence.
MCCP provides a platform to showcase the hidden talents of young and old Mangalurean Catholic community members and encourages them to excel, by appreciating and rewarding their efforts.
Various competitions and activities in the form of drawing, dance, singing, fancy dress, cooking, and sports such as volleyball, throwball, cricket, etc, are constants on the MCCP annual calendar. A large number of people take part in these competitions and showcase their talents in front of Konkani lovers and supporters; as seen in our packed halls and sports grounds. This support and love that MCCP attracts is an achievement on its own. MCCP men and womenteams have participated in inter community events organized by other associations and have won many trophies.
MCCP also recognizes people with outstanding talent and contributions in music, culture, singing and acting, media and writing, professionals & entrepreneurs, leadership, community outreach activities, etc.
Making the Impossible, Possible
Reading through this article, it is obvious that MCCP couldn’t have achieved these highs without the support of its members and the community as a whole. The benevolent support of Konkani lovers, generous contributions from sponsors and able leadership at the helm of its affairs, made the impossible, possible. MCCP has always been guided by the good leadership qualities and magnanimous demeanor of core committee members. It necessitates two important qualities in its members, which are a willingness and commitment towards the colossal responsibility of serving the community, this has been evident in all the leaders of MCCP since its inception. The current core team members are Stanley T H Fernandes, Henry Martis, Donald Pinto, Clarence Pinto and Suraj Rebello.
Mentioned below is a list of leaders who led MCCP from strength to strength:
The Konkani community of Ghala and Ruwi parishes remain grateful to Gerry D’Mello (an ardent Konkani activist, writer, program coordinator, poet and singer now settled in Canada) for his selfless service and contributions towards the upliftmentof the Konkani culture, traditions and the community as a whole.
Celebrating Silver Jubilee Year of MCCP
Under the able leadership of Dilip Correa, who himself is an ebullient speaker, talented singer, and energetic Konkani activist, a strong and talented team has been formed to present plenty of programs during the silver jubilee year.
The Team 25 for the Silver Jubilee Year are as follows:
Mega Programme to Celebrate Silver Jubilee
A mega cultural event to celebrate the 25th Silver Jubilee - 'Rupyotsav' has been planned under the leadership of Stanley T H Fernandes and it will take place on February 10 at Le Grande Hall of Al Falaj Hotel, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.
Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop of Mangaluru diocese will offer and celebrate a Thanksgiving High Mass at 10 am in the Sts Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi.
A top class entertaining programme has been planned in Le Grande Hall of Al Falaj Hotel from 5 pm on the same day. J R Lobo, MLA of Mangaluru South constituency will be the chief guest. Ivan D'Souza, MLC and Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld, Ronald Pinto, managing partner of Hyssna International LLC, Abu Dhabi will be the guests of honour.
The main attraction of the event will be the musical performance from the renowned 'Charithra Band' from Mangaluru consisting of Konkani Youth Rock Star Melwyn Antony D’Souza, an amazing vocalist/performer/lyricist, Akshada Talaulikar, playback singer/performer and Global Konkani Best female singer awardee, Loy Valentine Saldanha, music director and producer/performer/sound engineer, Patson Pereira, music director and producer/performer/sound engineer, Ian Sachin Saldanha, drummer/percussionist/backing vocalist, Rikith Leonard Soans, bass guitarist/backing vocalist, Patrick Pereira, senior musician and brilliant singer, and Sabitha Mathias, singer with a golden voice, will enthrall the Muscat audience with their thrilling performances.
One of the finest compere of the Gulf region, host of numerous musical concerts, winner of several public speaking competitions, actor, presenter, singer, multi-talented personality Roshan D'Silva will lead the programme with his unique and attractive compering skills.
Rib-tickling comedy will be presented by Konkani film actors Mellu and Richa along with 'Ek Aslyar Ek Na' film hero and director Pradeep Barboza. Walter Mendonca and Helen Sequeira of the Mangalurean community in Oman will play the supporting roles in the comedy acts.
Oman’s famous choreographers, Sonia D'Souza, Dynet Fernandes and Priyanka Mendonca will present dances with their dance troupes. Lavina D'Sa, well-known anchor and Konkani activist of the Mangalurean community in Oman will lead the official programme of the evening.