Media Release
Abu Dhabi, Feb 13: Konkani Prayer Group here, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a unique manifestation of devotion and fellowship on Friday February 7 at St Joseph’s Cathedral, here.
The event was attended by about 800 members of the Konkani community of Abu Dhabi.
The evening began with a Thanksgiving eucharistic. Fr Stephen Lewis the assistant parish priest at Sharjah presided over the mass along with Fr Valerian Fernandes, the chancellor of the vicariate and Fr Darick Paul D’Souza, the spiritual director of KPG.
The celebration continued with a well-organized social programme. Yvonne Vaz, members of the core team of KPG extended a welcome speech.
The Music Ministry of KPG then rendered a theme song specially composed for the occasion. The members of the core team with the priests cut the anniversary cake. Fr Stephen Lewis in his address urged all the faithful to be not just members of the prayer group but to be persons of prayer. Deral Menezes, the coordinator, presented the annual report of the activities.
Competitions were held to mark the occasion namely Bible quiz for adults and juniors; devotional singing Competition for adults and children; and speech competition on three select topics namely: 1) The role of the Holy Spirit in the liturgy 2) Role of the laity in the church and 3) The works of Pope Francis toward peace in the world.
The winners of these competitions were presented awards of achievement. Former coordinators of KPG were presented a memento for their contributions and service in the
past years. Two members of KPG then gave testimony of the blessings received through the intercession of the intercessory team.
Three young girls of KPG, Sarah Fernandes, Neola D’Souza and Pearl performed a prayer dance. The ever young women of KPG, Chandini, Roshini, Yvonne, Sharmila, Janet, and Blandina rocked the floor by their fusion dance to the catchy tunes of folk songs and mando amid thunderous applause of the audience.
The highlight of the evening’s cultural programme was a drama written by Stany Dsouza Bahrain, 'Vhodlimaincho Bhavadth' acted out by the members of KPG, Flavia Crasta in the lead role as Vhodlimai, Conrad D’Souza as Sekeram, Lancy D’Souza as Giru, Neil D’cunha as a cleaner, Blandina D’cunha as Dina Sam D’Souza and Sarah Fernandes as grandchildren. The drama was directed by Rupert Vaz. The drama made everyone laugh to their guts nevertheless with a great moral for life about the power of prayer. The actors performed as professional artistes in their respective roles. The entire programme was beautifully knit together with the masters of ceremony Rupert Vaz and Flavia Crasta.
Naveen Menezes, the assistant coordinator of KPG thanked all those instrumental in making the event successful. The evening ended with a sumptuous fellowship meal spread on the open grounds of the church.
The present core team is headed by Deral Menezes (coordinator), ably supported by Naveen Menezes (assistant coordinator a music ministry), Conrad D’Souza (treasurer and media), Rosy Martis (outreach), Yvonne Vaz (praise and worship), Naveen D’Souza (intercessory), Sedwin Mascarenhas (service).
KPG was formed in St Joseph’s Church, Abu Dhabi in February 2000 under the leadership of Fr Eugene Mattioli, then parish priest of St Joseph’s Cathedral and encouraged by Fr Peter Cyprian Dsouza, who was the then assistant parish priest in Dubai and comes to celebrate Konkani mass in Abu Dhabi once a month. The result of their encouragement and the initiative of seventeen founding members made the dawn of the Konkani prayer group. Ever since it has grown from strength to strength and in
number.
Presently Fr Darick Paul D’Souza guides the group as the spiritual director. The members meet each Friday evening for one hour of Praise & Worship and for sharing the Word of God. The members take an active part in the liturgical activities during the Konkani mass celebrated bi-monthly at St Joseph’s Cathedral. "It is a great day for all Konkan’s. God’s people united by two things - Native language and God’s love,” commented a member who seemed to voice the feeling of all.