|
Plan for a vintage winter vacation at Barkur in December 2008
Now it is a fading memory to me to recall, what we heard from
elders, some 40 years ago, it was a routine affair to Barkurians
in Bombay to gather at Bandra or Juhu for mass and a picnic at the
adjacent beach. Normally, it used to be the following Sunday after
the 29th of June, well known to be patron’s Feast.
There were occasions this once a year event organized by the then
famous Barkurians Association, shifted to a convenient day, mostly
to a public holiday in Bombay. The intentions of the organizers
was aimed at one point - maximum number of Barkurians to be
assembled at least for a full one day at a single venue! In these
years, SPA reactivated the age old custom and families get
together in June and a public entertainment during Diwali holidays
a regular affair, with much fanfare.
Now the history being repeated but with a slight change – All
Barkurians in Mumbai are planning well in advance to be at Barkur
during the Annual Feast, with their families and friends. The
St. Peter’s Association Barkur – Mumbai, celebrating its 20th
Anniversary, voluntarily comes forward to sponsor the event at
Barkur. We were also informed by both its President Richard
Carvalho and Secretary Ivan M. Rebello, about the preparations
which are underway to make the event most memorable, well
participated and rejoicing in union with Barkurians spread over
the globe. Yes, SPA already created a record, probably in the
Diocese, to be the first Association to be the Pirjent.
Almost two decades ago, when CYM of Barkur celebrated its
Decennial celebrations, in Dec 87, en-masse arrival of a bus full
of youngsters, ex-members, under the banner SPCYA was the
beginning of sorts.
We are pretty sure, when our host Kishore flashes this news in
this web site, each and every Barkurian, residing in any corner of
this world feels to be present and be a witness to this grand
event.
Other day, while chatting with few friends, naturally this subject
too cropped in and to my dismay, felt uncomfortable to realize,
many youngsters in Mumbai, including the members of the Executive
council, though very enthusiastic, find it to be difficult, to be
present with their families.
A
request and a suggestion:
It is an unwritten custom for years together, in the Kallianpur
varado or deanery, that the Tuesday and the Wednesday of the 3rd
week of December, is reserved for Barkur parish feast. Fine, this
time it is falling on 16th Tuesday and 17th
Wednesday. It is the term exams time for school going children not
only in Mumbai but also in other cities, as Christmas holidays
start from Saturday, 20th December. It’s not at all a
big deal, we can put up a word to the Vicar and the parish council
at Barkur, for a slight rearrangement – i.e. 22nd
Monday, vespers and 23rd Tuesday Feast, as Wednesday
being the Christmas eve, all guests and priests from the
neighboring towns busy in preparing for the Xmas.
Moreover, to those in Gulf, it will be more convenient to plan
their annual holidays with children, to cover Christmas, New year
and the Parish feast at on go. It is also common in European
countries, US and Australia to have Christmas holidays, which
surely prompt many to pay a visit to native town.
We are of the opinion, that this request will be worthy of
consideration, keeping in view the ultimate motive of convenience
and involvement and co-festiveness of maximum number of people.
This year’s feast must be unique for more than one reason – as
were informed, Rt. Rev. Henry D’Souza, the newly appointed Bishop
of Bellary Diocese, who served at this parish, also the founder of
ICYM Barkur, kindly consented to be the main celebrant of the High
Mass on the Feast day.
By the way, this rescheduling will not disturb the other parishes
in the varado or deanery, as the next is in line is Brahmmavar
parish, always celebrating it after the Christmas, finalized on 30th
and 31st Dec 08 we understand.
During my early days at Barkur, in 70’s there were quite a few
instances in the surrounding, especially, Brahmmavar, Kemmannu,
Thottam etc. the rescheduling was effected at the request of the
sponsor during that particular year and here this year at Barkur,
a slight change to bring together all Barkurians.
What we heard from the organizers:
SPA Secretary, while talking to us in length spelled out the draft
arrangement:
In a nutshell, on Vesper day, special Mass in the morning and all
the parishner's are invited to a lunch at Church Hall, as one
family and same night a fellowship dinner for all SPA members and
invited guests, with their families in the Sauharda auditorium.
Next day being feast day, the grand high mass at 10.30 am, a
special leaflet will be brought out to introduce SPA activities at
Mumbai and Barkur, a Souvenir or a memento will be distributed to
each and every household at Barkur………..Though there is nothing
very special as community celebration at noon, arrangements will
be made in the hall for feast lunch for guests, keeping in mind,
the demand to allow the SPA members to celebrate the day with
their families back home.
vening will be marked by lot of entertainment - already well known
performers in Konkani are in touch and a final decision likely to
be taken soon. On the other hand an attempt is made by the SPA
youth to unite singers, actors and actresses of yester years to
enliven the good old memories, with a class play / orchestra.
Above all these pomp and splendors what really touched us – the
novel plan mooted out by SPA of a town ship for the coming
generation… It’s premature to discuss in length at this moment,
when it take shape, it will have all the features to attract all
and sundries.
Friends, don’t you feel to be a witness to all that going to take
place at Barkur, in December this year. Surely a big and loud yes,
a vintage winter at Barkur!!
Barkur-on-line team foretold above these little things well in
advance to prepare your holidays to be with us……..
On behalf of Barkur-on-line Team and ICYM Barkur Ex-Member’s
Association,
P. Archibald Furtado,
Muscat – 30/07/2008. |
