Daijiworld Media Network – Kuwait (GA)
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Kuwait, May 12: The feast of Saint Joseph the Worker was celebrated with much pomp and fanfare by the members of Belman Welfare Association Kuwait on Friday May 8 at the Don Bosco School Auditorium, Salmiya, Kuwait. Earlier, at 8 am at the Holy Family Cathedral, Fr Lawrence Rodrigues, parish priest of Belman celebrated the mass.
Traditions held sway all through. Beginning with the welcoming of guests in traditional Mangalorean culture with the offering of ‘pan-pod’, ‘jaggery’ and ‘mogre kalle’ (fresh jasmine flowers from Mangalore).
A beginning to the celebration was made by Jessie D’Cruz, who briefly spoke on the proceedings of the day. Soon Vinitha D’Souza led the gathering in prayer. Thereafter, elated president Tony D’Cruz welcomed dignitaries, Fr Lawrence, Fr Melwin and deacon Sylvester with bouquets. Co-sponsors James Fernandes and John Paul Fernandes - proprietors of Power Control Company were presented with bouquets. Notable personalities and contributors to society, Lawrence Pinto, Louis Rodrigues, Helen Pinto, Sudhi Lolita Fonteiro and Sunil Jyoti Noronha were presented bouquets as well.
Traditional lamp was lit by Fr Melwin, Fr Lawrence, president Tony, vice-president Henry and secretary Rita Rodrigues. They were joined by BELWAK’s office-bearers and committee members in the cutting of the festive cake. Fr Lawrence delivered the festive message. In his message he spoke expressively on St Joseph and also thanked BELWAK for inviting him as an honoured guest of this festive celebration. Secretary Rita Rodrigues read out the Annual Report. It gave a brief on the eventful five years BELWAK had traversed.
On the feast day every year, it was customary of BELWAK to honour/felicitate prominent personalities and individuals who have contributed to the enhancement of Konkani language and to the welfare of society as a whole. This day, BELWAK felicitated Vinay Lewis who was conferred the title “Gulf Voice of Mangalore 2008” at the Grand Finale held in Kuwait. He stood first among the 250 plus competitors drawn from five Gulf countries. He melodiously sang a Konkani number which enthralled all, truly befitting to his recognition as the voice of Mangalore.
Entertainment was in abundance by D J Mario and dazzling solo dance performances by baby Jane D’Sa, baby Vanessa, Vienna Pinto and baby Akshita was entertaining. Scintillating group dance performances by Jovas XLNC dance troupe was a delight to watch. Several games for adults and children were conducted by Rita Rodrigues and spot prizes were conducted by Francis Menezes, which were fun-filled and with a sense of humour. Housie-Housie and raffle draw remained a regular feature at this celebration. Vincent Andrade once again ranked as the highest raffle seller this year. He was closely followed by Rita Rodrigues as second highest seller.
Deacon Sylvester invoked the grace before meal. He spoke about the less fortunate who are deprived of food and the daily necessities of life. He thanked God the graces and the blessings he continues to shower on all. Later sumptuous buffet of Mangalorean delicacy prepared by Spinneys was served.
Vice-president Henry D’Mello proposed the vote of thanks. He thanked the sponsors, office-bearers and committee members of BELWAK for their all-round support in staging this celebration. The entire event was compered admirably by Jessie D’Cruz, Clifford D’Souza, Rita Rodrigues and James D’Sa. The celebration drew to an end at 5.30 pm with the dazzling baila dance.
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