Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 11: The famous St Peter's Association (Barkur) in the city recently celebrated its 'Pearl Anniversary' and 'Patron's Feast' in pomp and splendour.

A thanksgiving mass was offered at St Vincent De Pallotti Church, Marol, Andheri East to the patron saint, St Peter for his benevolence. The high mass was celebrated by parish priest of St Vincent De Pallitti Church, Fr Bal Raj followed by breakfast and novena prayer and hymn dedicated to the patron saint.

The annual general body meeting (AGM) presided over by the president Ivon Rebello was held in the presence of all the members.

The celebration commenced with a group prayer song by the association members and their families led by Eric Carvalho. A prayer dance was performed by Elaine Carvalho and baby Jisel Fernandes. SPA president Ivon Rebello extended a warm and hearty welcome to all present.

The 'Pearl Anniversary' was formally inaugurated by lighting the lamp and cutting the cake. The guests, Vally Quadros (chief editor - poinnari.com), Lawrence and his wife Suzanne Coelho (editors-in-chief, secular citizens and Divo Weekly), Harry Rebello (businessman), Benny Lewis (businessman), Felix Picardo (well wisher), Harry Fernandes (director of Konkani films), Archibald Furtado (founder general secretary of SPA Mumbai), past presidents Felix Barnes, Richard Carvalho and Boney Sequeira, present president Ivon Rebello, secretary Eric Carvalho, treasurer John Gonsalves, vice presidents Anthony Gonsalves and Timothy D'souza were present on the dais.

Eric Carvalho secretay of SPA Mumbai presented a brief history and summarised the major activities as well as achievements and projects executed by SPA in the past three decades. There was a huge round of appreciative applause to express from the audience for the remarkable achievements and success of SPA.

As a mark of recognition to the community students who excelled in SSC, HSC, graduation and post graduation, SPA in its sixth consecutive year, honored them with cash rewards and certificates. John Gonsalves conducted the Educational Awards Ceremony. A total of 14 recipients benefited for the academic year 2017-18 from this special honour. SPA announced its plan of raising 25 lac toward this project and appealed to everyone to contribute generously and extend these benefits to more and more students in the subsequent years.

SPA honoured and thanked all the guests present by offering flower bouquets as a token of love and appreciation. Past presidents, late Simplen Sequeira, Felix Barnes, late Henry Roche, Richard Carvalho, Peter Furtado, Boniface Sequeira and present president Ivon Rebello were remembered for their dedication towards the success of SPA and were duly honoured.

It was pride and honour for SPA to release a book on the life and living of Fr Alfred Roche, a proud son of Barkur 'Amcho Padryab'. Fr Alfred Roche is on his way to achieving sainthood. Ida Roche and Boniface Sequeira released a souvenir in his memory. Mastermind and editor in chief of the souvenir, Archibald Furtado shared a lot on Fr Alfred Roche including his holy deeds during his missionary work and service to God and His men. The beatification process is on at Holy See to raise him to sainthood very soon. He is deservedly considered for sainthood.

A variety entertainment programme rocked the stage with a dance by Harisha and Joel Sequeira. A Hindi fusion dance by Anvil Rebello, Viona Gonsalves, Prinal Fernandes, Elaine Carvalho and Jisel Fernandes was well appreciated by the audience. An emotional song 'Jezu' (written by Harry Fernandes Barkur), sung by a little boy Alroy Crasta, brought tears to the eyes of everyone. A melodious song 'Roopa' from the legendary Wilfy Rebimbus, sung by Osvin Rebello brought back the mood and cheer to the crowd. Sweeny Mendonca's mixed dance to various Hindi hit numbers was a pleasure to watch. A Konkani song 'Vodli Mai' next followed sung beautifully by Sharrel, Larissa, Ashley, Elaine, Jisel and others that narrated the bond between a grandmother and her grandchildren.

A comedy skit enacted by Joylan Fernandes, Osvin Rebello and Eric Carvalho was rib-tickling and brought everyone to peals of laughter.

A traditional dance number 'Ekkasaka' by Nirmala Rebello, Janet Carvalho, Premila Fernandes, Veera Gonsalves, Freeda Moraes, Lavina Crasta and others was an instant hit which received thunderous applause. Rinnie Suaris showed off her singing talent by the number 'Chandrache Savleri'.

The entire programme was conducted in Konkani and received a special word of appreciation from the renowned Konkani writer and editor in chief of Poinari.com, Vally Quadros.

Ridge Sequeira took over the stage to deliver a perfect ending to the memorable day. In a befitting manner he got everyone to dance to his nonstop tunes for more than 30 minutes.

Around 175 people attended the function.

Lizzie Noronha captured the special moments of the event. Ivan Suaris proposed the vote of thanks and Joylan Fernandes aptly compered the ceremony to perfection.

The programme concluded with delicious special Mangalurean food served by the association.