FUN, FOOD AND FROLIC ST. ANTHONY’S PARISH PICNIC
By Goretti Ali On the morning of Sat. 11 July, 2015 three 60 - seater buses left the Church premises for the Shamsi Resort Farmhouse at Malir Cantonment for a day of relaxation and fun. This picnic was authorised by Ref. Fr. Edward Joseph, Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Church for the various groups of the parish, the fete’s helpers and the parishioners. The organisation and arrangements for this event was done by Mr. Marshall Fernandes, a very active parishioner along with the assistance of Ms. Debbie Santamaria, Mr. Fabian Bob, Mr. Aloysius Soares and a few others. Before proceeding to the farm house, Fr. Peter John said a prayer for the safety of all and wished everyone a fun filled day. On arrival, everyone was served with a packet of juice and a brownie. Without wasting any further time, all the water lovers stepped into the pool. There was a water slide where many, children and adults alike enjoyed sliding down and splashing into the cool water. Most of the group spent the day in the pool cooling off Karachi’s humid weather. The premises was a spacious L-shaped building consisting of two lounges, a kitchen, three rooms each with an attached washroom and two changing rooms and washrooms on the outside. The lounges had a TV and tables for billiards, carom, table tennis and table football. Beside the lawns were swings and net ball and throw ball courts. There was also a small pool with ducks. Two similar premises adjacent to each other were booked so there was ample space to move around and relax. A disc jockey was present so music vibrated throughout the day. Lunch was delicious chicken biryani, salad, a kebab and a soft drink. Thereafter the ubiquitous game of tombola was played where many winners went home happy. In the evening tea was served along with a potato patty. All eats and drinks were served in styrofoam containers that eliminated the need of washing up and storing crockery and cutlery. The premises were clean and the surroundings safe. Before closing, Marshall thanked all for their co-operation and assistance, especially the priests of St. Anthony’s Church. In all it was a day well spent, thanks to the excellent arrangements of the organisers.
