Easter Cultural Evening at Thottam Church Garners Overwhelming Support, Highlights Community Spirit
Malpe: The St. Annes Church unit of the Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh witnessed a resounding success with its Easter Art Evening cultural program, held on Sunday, April 27th, on the open-air stage of the Thottam church. The event, organized to bolster fundraising efforts for various church projects, drew a large and enthusiastic audience, underscoring the strong community spirit within the parish and beyond.
The evening commenced with an auspicious inauguration by renowned Konkani singer Vishwas Rebimbus, who conveyed his best wishes for the program’s success and lauded the initiative’s aim to support crucial church endeavors. His presence set a positive tone for the evening, highlighting the importance of artistic expression within the religious context.
Ronald D. Almeida, President of the Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh, graced the occasion as the chief guest. In his address, he emphasized the paramount significance of organized community service in fostering progress and development. He underscored that collective efforts, driven by unity and a shared purpose, invariably yield superior results. Mr. Almeida further articulated that the services provided by the community should be strategically aligned to benefit all members, urging continued dedication toward achieving this overarching goal.
A significant moment of the evening was the formal inauguration of the cultural organization, Pratibhangan, by the church’s esteemed parish priest, Rev. Denis D’Sa. Rev. D’Sa, in his insightful remarks, urged the audience to prioritize their humanity over mechanization, emphasizing the importance of maintaining empathy, compassion, and a vibrant cultural life. He eloquently highlighted the essential role cultural programs play in fostering human well-being, asserting that such events contribute significantly to mental peace and emotional equilibrium.
The event also provided an opportunity to recognize and express gratitude for the unwavering support provided by Rev. Denis D’Sa to the Catholic Sabha. All members of the Sabha collectively honored their Spiritual Director, acknowledging his pivotal role in guiding and encouraging their endeavors.
The heart of the evening was undoubtedly the diverse and captivating cultural performances. The renowned music group, Nelson Lewis Santekatte’s Carols Beat Group, delivered a stellar performance of Konkani, Kannada, and Hindi songs, showcasing a rich tapestry of regional musical traditions. Local artists also contributed their talents, further enriching the program’s artistic breadth. The comedy troupe, Memory from Mangalore, infused the evening with laughter and amusement, entertaining the audience with their humorous acts and leaving a lasting impression. Furthermore, artists from the newly inaugurated Pratibhangan organization presented the comedic play “Vechik Puth,” adding another layer of entertainment and demonstrating the organization’s commitment to fostering local talent.
A particularly poignant moment was the performance of a Konkani song by Rev. Denis D’Sa, expressing the profound love and affection of a mother. His rendition captivated the audience, eliciting a strong emotional response and further solidifying the sense of community and shared values.
The event was well-attended by prominent figures from the church and the local community, including Sunil Fernandes, Vice President of the church’s pastoral committee; Sr Sushma, head of the local convent; and Clarence Fernandes, President of the Pratibhangan organization. Their presence underscored the broad support and recognition the event garnered within the parish.
Veena Fernandes, President of the Catholic Sabha Thottam unit, delivered a warm welcome address, setting the stage for the evening’s festivities. The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Secretary Shanti Picardo, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the event’s success. The stage program and the cultural event were expertly hosted by Lavina Fernandes and Nanu Marol Thottam, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
The Easter Art Evening at Thottam Church stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and the enduring importance of cultural expression in fostering unity and supporting vital community initiatives. The enthusiastic response received by the program underscores the strong sense of belonging and shared purpose within the parish, highlighting the unwavering commitment of the Catholic Sabha to serving the community and promoting its cultural heritage.