Media Release
Muscat, Jun 3: The Ghala Mangalorean Catholic Community (GMCC) of Holy Spirit Church Ghala successfully organized its much-awaited “Family Fiesta 2026” on 29th May 2026 at the Auditorium of College of Banking and Financial Studies (CFBS), Bowsher. Under the able leadership of president Ophelia Lazarus, the executive committee of GMCC organized the Family Fiesta 2026 with great enthusiasm and active participation, celebrating the spirit of togetherness, joy, and fellowship while strengthening the bonds of the community as one family in Christ. The event brought together families, community members, and the executive committee in a spirit of unity, joy, and fellowship.
The outgoing president of GMCC, Ophelia Lazarus, warmly welcomed the gathering and expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported her throughout her tenure, enabling her to carry out her responsibilities effectively and efficiently. The vice president, Suneel Menezes, symbolically handed over a plant to Fr Stephen Lewis as a gesture inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, signifying GMCC’s commitment to continue caring for creation, a pledge embraced by the community in faith and action.
The celebration was inaugurated with traditional solemnity and grace. The chief guest and spiritual director, Fr Stephen Lewis, formally led the inaugural proceedings, which included the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and watering of the plant symbolizing growth, unity, and blessings for the community.
During his address, Fr Stephen Lewis reflected on the significance of the Feast of the Holy Trinity, emphasizing that one of its key teachings is communication and unity in diversity. He appreciated GMCC for actively embodying this principle by fostering strong communication and teamwork within the community. He also commended the executive committee and volunteers for their tireless service and dedication.
Appreciation was also extended to altar servers for their continuous support and service to the church and community activities throughout the year.
As the evening progressed, Emerson Crasta, a young and dynamic talent who ably served as the master of ceremony, gracefully introduced the proceedings and invited the senior leaders of GMCC, Edward Mendonca, John Gonsalves, and Prem Colaco onto the stage. The senior leaders then honoured the 12 member outgoing GMCC Executive Committee with mementos, in recognition of their dedicated service, commitment, and tireless efforts towards the growth and unity of the Mangalorean Konkani community.
The outgoing executive committee (2024–2026), comprising Ashwin D’Souza Lewis (Tech Support & Event Secretary), Reena D’Souza (Spiritual Co-ordinator), Preema D’Souza (Choir & Spiritual Secretary), Lloyd D’Cunha (Sports Secretary), Manoj Chetan D’Souza (Sports Secretary), Loyell Castelino (Community Services Secretary), Steevan Pereira (Internal Auditor), Reevan D’Cunha (Finance Secretary), Wilma Priya D’Souza (General Secretary), Sam Suneel Menezes (Vice President – Cultural & Sports), Praveen Serra Niddodi (Vice President – Finance & Audit), and Ophelia Lazarus (President), was appreciated for their exemplary teamwork and selfless service throughout the term.
John Gonsalves and Prem Colaco addressed the gathering and shared their appreciation for the Executive Committee. They spoke highly of the team’s dedication, unity, and commitment throughout their tenure, highlighting the consistent efforts made to strengthen community life, preserve cultural values, and promote active participation among members. They also commended the spirit of teamwork and service that defined the committee’s journey, encouraging them to continue serving with the same enthusiasm in the years ahead.
Reevan D’Cunha presented and read the detailed Annual Report covering the last two years, with special emphasis on the various charitable and community welfare initiatives undertaken by GMCC. He highlighted the generous support extended towards those in need, contributions to social outreach programs, and assistance provided during times of hardship. The report also reflected the community’s consistent commitment to service, compassion, and faith-driven action, along with the successful organization of spiritual and cultural events that strengthened unity among members.
A new chapter unfolded as the newly elected Executive Committee was formally introduced, with Praveen Serra Niddodi who is Popularly known as Praveen Niddodi stepping forward as President of GMCC to lead the community with dedication, vision, and renewed enthusiasm. He is widely recognized for his exceptional organizational skills, engaging stage presence, strong time management, and creative talent in hosting and acting, which have greatly enriched various community events. He hails from Little Flower Church, Niddodi, and is married to Freeda Serra, with two daughters, Deanne and Kaelynn. He has been associated with Al Ansari Trading Enterprise LLC for the past 18 years and brings with him nearly a decade of experience serving in various roles within the MCCP and GMCC committees. Notably, he is among the youngest presidents to lead GMCC, marking a proud milestone in the community’s leadership journey.
The members of the Executive Committee for the term are as follows:
• Praveen Serra - President
• Sam Menezes – Vice President (Finance & Audit)
• Loyd D’Cunha – Vice President (Cultural & Sports)
• Loyell Castelino – General Secretary
• Reshma Pereira – Joint Secretary
• Wilson Fernandes – Community Services Secretary
• Ancilla Saldanha – Finance Secretary
• Reevan D’Cunha – Internal Auditor
• Staulin D’Cunha – Sports Secretary
• Hendrita Colaco – Cultural Secretary
• Noel Machado – Tech Support Secretary
• Reena D’Souza – Spiritual & Choir Secretary
The event also featured a variety of entertaining performances that added vibrancy and joy to the celebration. A particularly powerful moral skit presented by the team Konkani Taaran, centered on the theme of forgiveness, deeply touched the audience and conveyed a strong message of compassion and reconciliation. The programme further included engaging spot games and several other entertainment segments, which kept the audience actively involved and contributed to the lively and festive atmosphere of the Family Fiesta 2026.
Artists & performers:
1. Prayer dance: Crystal Pereira
2. Dance by The Alpha Crew - Riyona D’Souza, Alora D’Souza, Alria Castelino, Zoe Saldanha, Zia Saldanha and Deanne Serra
3. Dance by Dancing Divas – Siona Saldanha, Calida Rodriguez, Lianne Saldanha, Nia Saldanha, Nessa Saldanha
4. A melodious song was rendered by Joanne Livana Corda, Neshwil Pinto and a duet by Tiara Dcunha and Triston Dcunha
5. A musical performance was given by Six-Teen Band – Janice Sequeira, Francesca Colaco, Clarine Pereira, Luke Colaco, Rishon Fernandes Elroy Concesso.
Vote of thanks were offered to sponsors, benefactors and volunteers. Loveline Rego - DJ of the evening, Joachim D’Souza – photographer for the event, Emerson Crasta - Emcee, Venture Entertainment – Event Organizer, Lancy and Gracy Barboza, Selvin and Shaveena Levis, Mamtha Dcunha, Philomena Mendonsa Stino and Sonal Pinto, Sabitha Pinto, Ashwitha Lobo were also thanked.
The event concluded successfully with a sumptuous dinner, graciously prepared by South Express Restaurant, Ghala, which added a delightful finishing touch to the celebrations and fellowship of the evening.