Kuwait: The parishioners of Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK), along with their families and friends gathered at the premises of Indian Community School Salmiya to celebrate the feast of their patron, Our Lady of Health (Saude Mai), for the twentieth consecutive year with lot of enthusiasm & revelry on February 6.
The programme for the day commenced with a thanksgiving prayer recited by SWAK vice president Urban D’Souza, followed by a melodious welcome song by SWAK members.
SWAK president, Alwyn D’Souza, whole heartedly welcomed the chief guest Valerian Maxim D’Sa and his wife Luiza D’Sa, Fr Noel Almeida, sponsors, well-wishers, Shirva Parishioners, committee members and their relatives to the celebrations of the feast. He called on the attendees to actively participate and enjoy the events of the day. During his welcome speech he highlighted the centenary celebrations of Shirva parish and complimented Lawrence D’Souza and Valerian Maxim D’Sa for achieving the papal blessing for their good work.
SWAK secretary, Doris Lobo, presented the annual report. All the office-bearers and committee members of SWAK, together with the Chief Guest, cut the festive cake, as a token of sharing the sweetness and happiness with one and all.
Fr Noel in his festive message congratulated the Shirva Parishioners on the centenary celebrations of the unity of two churches. He prayed to the Holy Mother to bless the association for their continuous good deeds towards the betterment of the community.
Papal award winners Lawrence D’Souza and Valerian Maxim D’Sa were appreciated for their notable contributions towards the church through a profile briefing done by Clifford D’Souza which was followed by their felicitation.
Since its inception, every year during the feast , SWAK has been bringing to the limelight, the excellent achievements of committee members’ children by felicitating them with their parents with a token of appreciation. The Education Felicitation of a top outstanding student of 10th standard was sponsored by Urban and Janet D’Souza in remembrance of their angel daughter Princel Deona D’Souza and top outstanding student of 12th standard was sponsored by Nitin Castelino in memory of his father late Thomas Castelino.
The Gulf Voice of Mangalore season 4 winner Morvine Quadras was honored with a bouquet by president Alwyn D’Souza for his outstanding voice. He dedicated a beautiful song (konn ghai thi choli) in memory of Late Wilfy Rebimbus attracting huge applause from the gathering.
A video presentation was organized by Clifford D’Souza, stressing the importance of team work to successfully drive ahead social activities while creating a better understanding and co-operation among the association members. This was followed by a formal introduction of all the committee members and all the former Presidents till date who had led the association since its inception.
Cultural Secretary Robert Mathias delivered the vote of thanks. He thanked the sponsors, office-bearers and committee members of SWAK for their all-round support in staging this event.
A slew of entertainment programmes followed, and the audience thoroughly enjoyed each of them. The classical, solo, duet and group dances were presented by artistes; Baby Danica Monteiro (Varnam – Classical), Baby Avril Mathias (Tu Meri & Bang Bang), Mervis Rego (Fire Ball Pit-bull), Baby Danica DSouza (Satakli), Baby Alisha Gomes & Master Ashwin Correa (Nonsense Ki Night & Tu Meri), Ines Martis & Melina Serrao (Nagada & Iski Uski), Crazy Gang – Astrel Menezes, Carol DSouza, Carlita DSouza, Fevin Fernandes & Nicolas Machado (Palat Tera Hero, Tugle & Naku Muka), Delma, Suzette, Nicole & Daniella (Hindi Fusion). Melodious songs were sung by Rony DCunha & Jasmine DCunha (Hanv Vethango Ghati Devn – Solo & Nach Moja Bangara) & Ashok Barboza & Jyothi Vaz (Ye Pori Ye Pori). Alston Gomes played instrumental (flute, saxophone, trumpet and mouth organ. Urban D’Souza and Alexander Fernandees (Budget Cut Kazar), Manohar Prabhu, Renny Menezes and Anil Menezes entertained the audience with their rib tickling jokes.
The raffle draw was conducted by Anil Menezes and Cultural Secretary Robert Mathias, followed by Housie Housie.
SWAK correspondent and spiritual director Fr Stany Tauro delivered his best wishes and congratulation message through video transmission to the gathering.
