Media release
Dubai, Sep 26: Jesus Mary Joseph (JMJ), the largest Konkani Prayer Group in St Mary’s Church, here celebrated their twelfth anniversary with variety of the entertainment programmes and fellowship at the main hall of St Mary’s church, on Friday September 22.
The event was initiated with an introduction of the occasion by the versatile emcee Vernon D’Souza. Thereafter JMJ’s Coordinator Josly Pinto escorted the distinguished guests of the evening - JMJ Group’s spiritual director Fr Robert Lasrado, St, Mary’s assistant priest Fr, Olmes Milani, St Mary’s Mangalorean Community Coordinator Jerina Lewis, Novem Jerusalem Prayer Group’s Coordinator Navita Baretto, JMJ Advisor Lawrence D’Souza to the stage. Fr Robert recited a short opening prayer.
Josly Pinto rendered the welcome speech and all the guests were honoured with flower bouquets. Cake cutting ceremony on the stage by all guests was performed to mark the joyful celebration.
Fr Robert in his brief message appreciated the prayer group’s efforts in bringing goodness to the people and encouraged people to attend such gathering to increase spirituality. Lawrence D’Souza, the Advisor of group was specially felicitated with flower by Jerina Lewis and memento by Fr. Robert for his selfless service to the prayer group since its inception. Lawrence remembered all the previous spiritual directors and coordinators of JMJ and thanked for their support in taking JMJ Group to the higher level of success. JMJ core member Francis Menezes proposed vote of thanks.
The much awaited cultural programme began with a unique blind folded dance by talented little children of Ocean Kids Institute was well appreciated. Our Own cluster Group displayed their various excellent talents by a skit, live singing with dance depicting daily life and traditions of farmers. Superb dances were exhibited by well-known dance academy members of Feet Beat Art Center Dubai.
Team members of well-established group ‘Konkan Taram’ team entertained the crowd by fabulously acting out a Konkani comedy skit. Melwyn D’Souza and group too showcased a brilliant comedy skit. A distinctive ‘Char Mathare’ song and dance was performed by Konkan Yuva members. Finally Ocean Kids dance number was a mesmerizing show stopper.
A scrumptious dinner by Canara Restaurant owned by Leo D’Souza was served to over 600 people.
Like every year, JMJ Konkani Prayer Group continues to organize variety programmes with great zeal and enthusiasm by arranging grand cultural programmes and fellowship to its members, thus providing them memorable events along with every week’s spiritual activities.
JMJ Prayer Group encourages Konkani speaking people residing in Dubai and in various camps to lead active Christian life, by providing free transport to attend weekly obligatory mass on Fridays in the evenings and thereafter to the prayers in the main hall. During every Friday prayer gatherings, adoration and the charismatic prayer service in Konkani are being held in the Church Main Hall from 7. 30 to 8.30 pm.