Media Release
Pics: Stephen Lewis
News: Rohan Franco, SPA
Bengaluru, Jul 12: It was a great come back for the Bengaluru based Barkurians during the decennial celebration of St Peters Association (Barkur) Bengaluru (SAP) on Sunday, July 9. The association has been dedicated to unite the vibrant Barkurian community in Bengaluru since its inception from 2007.
The celebrations began with a Thanksgiving mass in honor of St Peter which was attended by more than 300 Bengaluru based Barkurians and family members at the Shrine of St Jude, RT Nagar followed by a cultural program and fellowship dinner at Patel’s Inn Club and Resort, RT Nagar, Bengaluru.
James Sequeira, vice president of SPA, Bengaluru welcomed the priests and Barkurians in Bengaluru and set the tone for the grand celebrations. Fr Valerian Mendonca, chancellor, diocese of Udupi and former parish priest of Barkur along with Fr Philip Neri Aranha, serving parish priest of Barkur Church , Udupi district offered the thanksgiving mass accompanied by the melodious choir by the D’souza family members, Devanahalli, Bengaluru.
The decennial celebrations began at 6 pm at Patel’s Inn Club and Resort, RT Nagar hosted by the St Peters Association, (Barkur), Bengaluru along with the support of Barkurian Philanthropists Albert Menezes and Family, JP Lights Bengaluru and office bearers of SPA. The event began with a prayer dance by Stenita Lewis, classical performer, Udupi and Bengaluru followed by a stage programme.
Peter Pinto, president of St Peters Association Barkur, Bengaluru led the chief guests, Fr Valerian Mendonca and guest of honour, Fr Philip Neri Aranha along with Albert and Lira Menezes and office bearers to the stage. The programme began with lighting of the lamp followed by a warm welcome extended by Peter Pinto.
Lawrence Sequiera, joint secretary of SPA, Bengaluru read out and highlighted the brief history of Bengaluru based Barkurians and the story behind the coexistence of SPA and its progress so far.
Peter Pinto felicitated the chief guest Fr Valerian Mendonca on the stage on behalf of SPA, Bengaluru. Gilbert D’souza, senior member of SPA, Bengaluru honoured Fr Philip Neri Aranha. The Pirjent couple Lira and Albert were honored by Fr Valerian Mendonca ,the chief guest of the program. Peter Pinto recognized the efforts of Felix Menezes, as ‘Man of the Souvenir’ and honored him on the stage.
Felix Menezes addressed the gathering thereafter. A senior member of SPA, Karamchand Sequiera honoured Peter Pinto, president of SPA Bengaluru for his selfless service and efforts in uniting the Barkurians in Bengaluru for a cause.
Addressing the gathering, guest of honour Fr Philip Neri Aranha, said, “Barkur is popular not only for fresh fish but also for its unity. The whole Barkur is gathered here . Adding to it he said that the unity of Barkurians is really commendable. He promised his presence in all the future annual programmes of SPA Bengaluru.
Chief guest, Fr Valerian Mendonca said, “The entire Barkurian community in Barkur is spread across eight wards but today the Bengaluru based Barkurians have proved that there is a ninth ward extended and existing in Bengaluru.”
He applauded the spirit of Barkurian community during the occasion. Fr Valerian Mendonca also released the Deccennial Sovenir of SPA on the occasion. Janet Rego, secretary of SPA, Bengaluru rendered vote of thanks.
The treat for senses offered by The Expressions Barkur team as part of their cultural programme beginning with the melodious songs followed by a comedy show which were highly appreciated by the audience.
The SPA Bengaluru honoured Alwyn Andrade and team for hosting the cultural programme.
Rohan Franco, member of St Peters association, Bengaluru compered the program. A grand dinner and cock tails crowned the celebrations with the singing of ‘Laudate’.