Muscat: Father's Day - MCCP Event Honours All Fathers
News by Dolly Sequeira and Dilip Correa
Pics: Arun Lobo
Daijiworld Media Network - Oman
Muscat, Oct 16: The Mangalorean Catholic Center of the Parish (MCCP – Sts. Peter and Paul Church – Ruwi) under the leadership of Monica Dantis and her team, hosted a day for fathers under the theme ‘My Father: Friend First, Guide Forever’ on Friday October 15.
The event began with a welcome note and was anchored by Celine D’Souza who serves the committee as the spiritual secretary. A graceful prayer dance was performed by Shania D’Souza along with a prayer by Mariete Fernandes. MCCP president Monica Dantis welcomed the gathering enthusiastically. She stressed her feelings of a father’s role and importance of a father in our lives and the selfless scarifies they do for the happiness of the family.
The traditional ‘Divo’ was lit to begin the day of Joy by committee members along with the senior most dad and the youngest dad at the gathering. Cake and wine was distributed to all along with gifts.
Gladys Misquith, well-known orator and teacher, Indian School, Muscat, raised the toast. She stressed that the hardest job in the world is to be a father. “He is expected to be gentle, loving, caring and giving. On the other side he needs to be tough and firm to shape the child’s life and progress”.
Donald Pinto, a well-known Konkani community leader of Muscat and MCCP core committee member, replied to the toast saying, “Fathers have been role models to the family and plays the role of a moderator in keeping the family united and safe. Fathers have been friends and advisors always and hence the family feels comfort in his presence. The father, through his role, teaches and educates members through rational actions.”
The theme song ‘Sarv Bapaink Salam Martavn’ by Apolinaris D’Souza was sung by Anitha Lobo, Reena Lobo, Jecintha Serrao. Joe Obil, a well-known master of ceremony, ably conducted and presented the second part of the programme.
The day had some fantabulous performances staged by various artists. The sponsors were Oman Telecommunication Company, Oman International Bank, Muscat Golden Services, Peace Land Travels, Sarco Enterprises, Sea Pearl, Zonal Trading Areej Vegetables, Oman Oil Marketing, Haimo Technologies & Co, Khimji Ramadas, Muscat Pharmacy, Ramniklal B Kothari & Co, Natural Mineral Water, and Oman Refreshment Co.
‘Daddy Cool’ contest results were announced by well-known community leader and core committee member, Suraj Rebello. Dr Christopher Dias distributed the prizes. Reena Mathias, website administrator, www.mccpoman.com was on the dais. Early bird prizes were distributed by president Moncia Dantes.
1st Prize - Aldrin Moras
2nd Prize – Rebecca D’Souza
3rd Prize – Devina Fernandes
Consolation: Sneha Sequeira & Caroline D’Souza