Media Release
Abu Dhabi, Nov 10: Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore diocese, celebrated the KCO Pearl Jubilee thanksgiving mass at St Therese Church, Abu Dhabi.
Before the beginning of the mass, His Excellency Paolo Martinelli, bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (AVOSA), addressed the Konkani community gathered for the celebration. In his message, he congratulated KCO on completing its Pearl Jubilee and commended its selfless service to the Konkani community. He was honoured with a flower bouquet by KCO president Clevy Leo Rodrigues.
The introduction to the holy mass was read by Clevy Leo Rodrigues, while the first reading was proclaimed by Amitha Costa, honorary treasurer of KCO.
The Gospel was read by Fr Valerian Fernandes OFM Cap, one of the concelebrants, and the homily was delivered by Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, the main celebrant.
The prayers of the faithful were read by Jason Correa, honorary entertainment secretary and one of the advisors of KCO. The offertory was presented by KCO members along with representatives of St Joseph’s Konkani Community – Mangalorean and Goan, Konkani Prayer Group, ushers, and Eucharistic ministers from the Konkani community.
The holy mass continued with the faithful participating in devotion. The choir, led by choirmaster Jeevan Lobo, sang hymns melodiously from the entrance hymn to the recessional hymn.
Before the conclusion of the mass, KCO president Clevy Leo Rodrigues felicitated the bishop and concelebrating priests. The names of those honoured were announced by KCO honorary vice president Valerian Dalmaida.
Those felicitated included Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Fr Darick D’Souza OFM Cap, secretary to AVOSA bishop Paolo Martinelli; Fr Mariyan Miranda OFM Cap, assistant parish priest and spiritual director of the Konkani community; Fr Valerian Fernandes OFM Cap, chancellor of AVOSA; Fr Rohan Miranda OFM Cap, ecclesiastical judge; Fr Maxim Cardoza OFM Cap, parish priest of St Paul’s Church, Mussafah; Fr Ratan Almeida OFM Cap, Abu Dhabi; Fr Arun D’Souza, Dominican, principal of St Dominic CBSE School, Polali, Mangalore; and Fr Jason Monis, Dominican, principal of Loretto English Medium CBSE School, Loretto, Mangalore.
The mass concluded with the final blessings from Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha. Snacks were distributed by KCO members and ushers to all the faithful present, and the joy on the faces of the Konkani community reflected the spirit of the celebration.