St. Peter’s Association of Barkur in Mumbai celebrates Feast of their Patron Saint

By Prof. Archibald Furtado
Bellevision Media Network

Mumbai, 03 Jul 2023: That sounds like a wonderful celebration and gathering organized by the St. Peter’s Association (Barkur) in Mumbai. The event took place on Sunday, July 2nd, 2023, at Marol, Andheri. The celebration began with a Festal High Mass at St. Vincent Pallotti Church, celebrated by Rev Fr. Dr. Ivan D’Almeida, the Superior of Shanti Dham in Zalor, Goa. After the Mass, a get-together was organized in the same Church Hall.

 

The event started with an Annual General Body Meeting, where President Mr. Bony Sequeira welcomed the attendees after a prayer. A minute of silence was observed to remember the departed souls of the Association members. Secretary Arthur Mendonca presented the minutes of the previous AGM held on July 3rd, 2022. Treasurer Vincent Furtado read out and passed the accounts for the year ending on March 31st, 2023.

 

Educational prizes were distributed to the children of SPA members. Cash prizes were awarded to six children who achieved high marks in their SSC, HSC, graduation, and post-graduation exams. The President encouraged like-minded individuals to donate generously so that more children could benefit in the future. He expressed gratitude to all the members of his team for their hard work in the Association.

 

Ivan Rebello, the Co-ordinator of the Association, spoke about the future plans of the Association and requested members to encourage their children to join. Rev Fr. Dr. Ivan D’Almeida was honored for completing 25 years of his Priesthood. Mr. Kiran Carvalho, President Boniface Sequeira, and Wilfred Sequeira conducted the felicitation.

 

Fr. Ivan D’Almeida thanked SPA for their love and affection and appreciated the good work the members are doing for society. He referred to SPA as "Sarvank Polovhe Association," which means looking after all types of people. He emphasized that there is no discrimination and that the Association is ready to help whoever is in need.

 

 

Senior members of the Association, Mr. Felix Barnes, Mr. Richard Carvalho, and Mr. Anthony Gonsalves, were honored for their contributions and support in developing the Association. Vice President Eric Carvalho and other members of the Association conducted the honors.

 

Mr. Michael Sequeira, an athlete, was felicitated for his achievements in marathon events held in Mumbai, Thane, Panvel, Pune, Akola, etc., over the past three years. He won several gold and silver medals in the senior citizen category.

 

Mrs. Lizie Noronha conducted the honoring ceremony along with Johnson Martis and Ivan Suaris from SPA. Around 125 people attended the function, including prominent businessmen and film director Mr. Hary Fernandes, who is also from Barkur.

 

Wilfred Sequeira proposed the vote of thanks, and Kiran Carvalho organized games and provided entertainment with music, singing, and dance. Joylan Fernandes served as the program’s compere. The function concluded with delicious food arranged by the Association.