-News n Pics Eric L Carvalho
MUMBAI: St. Peter's Association (Barkur) Mumbai, the premiere association in the Metro, celebrated their Patron Feast and Annual Day on Sunday, July 2, 2023, at Marol in Andheri. The festive occasion commenced with a grand High Mass at St. Vincent Pallotti Church, officiated by Rev Fr. Dr. Ivan D'Almeida, the Superior of Shanti Dham in Zalor, Goa. Following the Mass, a get-together was organized at the same Church Hall.
The event began with an Annual General Body Meeting, where President Mr. Bony Sequeira extended a warm welcome to the attendees after a prayer. A moment of silence was observed to honor the departed souls of the association's members. Secretary Arthur Mendonca presented the minutes of the last Annual General Meeting held on July 3, 2022. Treasurer Vincent Furtado read out and sought approval for the Accounts for the year ending March 31, 2023.
As part of the celebration, educational prizes were distributed to the children of St. Peter's Association members. Six children who achieved high marks in their SSC, HSC, Graduation, and Post Graduation were honored with cash prizes. President Sequeira appealed to all like-minded individuals to donate generously, ensuring that more children would benefit in the future. He expressed his gratitude to all the members of his team for their hard work and dedication to the Association.
Ivan Rebello, the Coordinator of the Association, addressed the members and spoke about the future plans and aspirations of the organization. He urged the members to encourage their children to join and actively participate in the Association's activities.
Rev Fr. Dr. Ivan D'Almeida was honored for completing 25 years of priesthood. The President, Kiran Carvalho, and Wilfred Sequeira had the privilege of bestowing the honor upon him. Fr. Ivan D'Almeida expressed his gratitude to St. Peter's Association for their love and affection, as well as for the felicitation. He commended the members for their commendable work in society, emphasizing that the Association looks after all types of people, without discrimination. He assured his readiness to help anyone in need.
Additionally, senior members of the Association, Mr. Felix Barnes, Mr. Richard Carvalho, and Mr. Anthony Gonsalves, were recognized and honored for their significant contributions and support in fostering the growth of the Association. Vice President Eric Carvalho, along with other members such as Thimothy D'Souza, Arthur Mendonca, Anthony Dias, Ivan Rebello, John Gonsalves, and Michael D'Almeida, had the honor of presenting the awards.
Furthermore, Mr. Michael Sequeira, an accomplished athlete, was felicitated for his achievements in various Marathon events held in Mumbai, Thane, Panvel, Pune, Akola, and more. Over the past three years, he has secured numerous gold and silver medals in the senior citizen category.
The honoring ceremony was conducted by Mrs. Lizie Noronha, accompanied by Johnson Martis and Ivan Suaris from St. Peter's Association. The event was attended by approximately 125 people, including prominent businessmen and renowned film director Mr. Hary Fernandes, who hails from Barkur.
Wilfred Sequeira delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to all those who made the event a success. Kiran Carvalho organized games and entertained the attendees with music, singing, and dance performances.
The program was skillfully compered by Joylan Fernandes and concluded with a delightful lunch enjoyed by all attendees.
