For photos click here Wasn't the first GCO Member's Day, on 5th December, grand in every way? It was great to see the altar of Sts. Peter and Paul Church Ruwi so tastefully decorated, and the Church so packed, for the St. Francis Xavier's Feast Mass, which commenced at 10.30 am sharp. This Konkani high mass led by Fr. Gaspar Fernandes (who came specially from Qatar), was concelebrated along with Fr. Raul Ramos and Fr. Albert D'Silva. Fr.Gaspar's homily, aptly delivered with very relevant messages and lucid humour, will be remembered by all for years to come. And wow... the Choir conducted by Mr. Savio D'Souza was par excellence. After mass, the Goans gathered in the Church compound in a joyous and festive mood to greet each other. As the guests arrived at the Al Maasa Hall, they were offered cake and cold drink. By 1 pm the Hall was packed to capacity with almost 700 people taking their seats. The compères Jocelle, Mable and Christopher took charge of the proceedings and invited Mr. Vernon and Mrs. Carmen Fernandes to lead the opening prayer, which was followed by Mr. Savio D'Souza singing a Konkani song in honor of St. Francis Xavier. The GCO General Body Meeting included a welcome by Mr. Celso Fernandes, Spiritual Director's speech by Fr. Albert D'Silva, Special message by Fr. Gaspar Fernandes, President's address by Mr. Flynn de Lima, Treasurer's statement of accounts by Mr. Alan D'Costa, and adoption of the GCO Constitution. The Returning Officer Mr. Jose Viriato Menezes conducted the elections. Mr. Anthony Lourence proposed the following candidates for the Core Committee, and all of them were unanimously elected by the House: Mr. Flynn de Lima - President Mr. Celso Fernandes - Vice President, General Mr. Sebastian Almeida - Vice President, Cultural and Sports Mr. Alan D'Costa - Treasurer Dr. Mario de Souza - General Secretary Mr. Baltazar Fernandes - Joint Secretary. It was then time to enjoy... The three bands Cross Connections, GoAfrica and Human Touch played in succession, giving no respite to the dancing feet. Their melodious repertoire of Konkani, English, Portuguese and Hindi favourites saw Goans prefer the dancing floor to the food queue. Everyone was seen having a marvelous time, whilst the compères gave away spot prizes sponsored by Muscat Duty Free, The Golden Oryx Restaurant and the Europe Beauty Saloon. There were cultural numbers sung by Mrs. Filu Fernandes with children, in traditional Goan costumes, dancing to the Ho Manddo Goencho, etc. Sumptuous food was served at around 2:30 pm with sorpotel and sannas being the hot favorite. The lunch was indeed tasty and there was plenty for everybody. Prizes to the winners and participants of an earlier held Elocution Competition were given away to the young and the bright Goan kids by Mrs. Catherine Dias and her team.
Special Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to two outstanding leaders, Mrs. Matilda D'Souza and Mr. Savio D'Souza, who have been selflessly serving the Goan Community for years. The Party continued till late evening with Cross Connections playing once again to regale the mood of the Goans, who never seemed to tire from dancing. It was actually tough getting people to off the floor as there was a time limit for the hall, and the show finally came to an end at around 6.30 pm. Overall, the event was a magnificent success thanks to the following GCO members who worked tirelessly: Mr. Flynn de Lima (for sponsoring the pork and for organizing preparation of the tasty sorpotel under the able leadership of Stomach chef Mr. Joachim and assistance of Mrs. Leila de Souza, Mrs. Emilia and others) Mrs. Leila de Souza (for the splendid altar decorations which went on late into the night, and for the lovely flowers at each table in the Hall) Mr. Sabby and Mrs. Angela Almeida (for sponsoring gifts and assisting with the sorportel preparation and the decorations) Mr. Luis and Mrs. Maria Carvalho (for the delicious cake) Mr. Savio Martyres (for single handedly getting his office colleagues to do the hall decorations) Mr. Alan D'Costa (for behind the scenes help and arranging the meals from Tawoos at rock bottom prices) GoAfrica, Cross Connections and Human Touch (for the wonderful music played free of charge) Mr. Anthony Lourence (for sponsoring the free bus service from the Church to the Hall and for providing support to the compères) Mr. Savio D'Souza and the Choir Members (for training and leading the superb Konkani choir) Mrs. Shaliny Henriques (for making the favors) and most importantly, Mr. Baltazar Fernandes for coordinating the entire cultural event. Thanks to all the Goans who came in large numbers to make this event a great success. We need a bigger hall next year and would like to see the number doubled. Dr. Mario C. de Souza General Secretary, Goan Community of Oman
