Media Release
Muscat, Feb 20: Curtains came down on the silver jubilee of St Anthony’s RC Church, Sohar on February 15 with a grand celebration that attracted around a thousand faithful who attended the Eucharistic celebration and enjoyed cultural programmes from various communities followed by fellowship meal.
Parishioners from across Sohar gathered in the church to take part in the event that officially wrap up the parish’s year-long celebration of the 25 years since its founding on February 4, 1994.
Fr Augustine, the parish priest, rendered an endearing welcome to the guests and the parishioners. The chief guest was the representative of Bishop Paul Hinder, Fr Paul John Koenig, and Franciscan General Custodian of Arabia. The other distinguished guests were Fr Raul Ramos, parish priest Ruwi Church, Fr Catalina Miranda, assistant parish priest of Gala, Fr Luca Piantanida, Fr Wilson Rumao, Fr Shinto Poulose, Fr Johnson K, former parish priest of Sohar and Fr Agaustine Fernandes, parish priest of Sohar Church, graced the occasion.
The event was inaugurated by all the priests together and the birthday of the parish was made wonderfully sweet by cutting a delicious cake. The occasion was also marked by the presentation of the souvenir. Fr Paul John Koenig read out Bishop’s message and in his inspiring speech he urged the laity to follow the footsteps of St Anthony, the patron saint of the parish.
Dr Rodney Aguiar welcomed the gathering. A documentary on the history of the church was screened and cultural programmes were held to lend colour to the event. Bong B and Natasha Tomy compered the cultural event. The prayer dance swathed everyone with an aura of serenity. The skits based on the life of St Anthony and the parable of the prodigal son very effectively extended the messages of charity and ‘agape’, the unconditional love of God, the Father. The dance performances of Malayalam, Tamil, Goan, Mangalurean and Filipino communities not only reflected the cultural heritages of these places but engrossed the audience with the mesmerising formations and wonderful and elegant movements also. The various performances of the catechism students of Sohar and Buraimi to the divine devotional notes kept the audience glued to their seats.
All the performances permeated a sense of divinity within one and all. The winners of various events conducted throughout the year were read out by Maria Pramila D’Costa and awarded prizes. Vote of thanks was rendered by Mark Fernandes, vice-president of the Parish Council Sohar Church.