"It is saddening to say that the total number of divorces are highest among the Mangalorean Christians" says Rt.Rev.Dr.Aloysius P. D`Souza, the Bishop of Mangalore

He was speaking at the felicitation function organised by the Dubai Konkanni Community for his honour on the 7th of September, 2001, at the St. Mary's Church Hall Dubai. "Try to understand each other before marriage. Take ample time and do not take such an important decision of marriage all of a sudden", he further continued.  Fr. Cyprian D'Souza, Asst. Parish Priest of Dubai Parish, who has succeeded in bringing together all the konkanni organisations under one umbrella for this unique occasion, first welcomed the gathering. 

Mr. Lawrence D`Souza, leader Charismatic group recited the prayers.

The honourable Bishop cut the cake as a gesture of happiness and unity. Mr. Cyril G. Sequeira, (CGS, Taccode), read and presented the 'Maan-Potr' to the Bishop on behalf of the Konkanni Community of Dubai. Almost all the konkanni organisations from Dubai presented the Bishop with mementos and gifts. Mr. Walter Nandalike, read a brief report of all the religious, social and cultural konkanni organisations (approximately 18) from Dubai and presented the same to the Bishop. 

Mr. Manohar Pais, a well known actor and singer, was the master of ceremony. Mr. Joe Fernandes gave the vote of thanks. Fr. Peter ,Asst.  Parish Priest of Dubai St. Mary's Church; Mr. Noel Mascarenhas, Leader of Konkanni Community Dubai,Mr. Noel D`Souza, Fr. Cyprian D'Souza, other Priests and Nuns were present on the dais. 

The cultural function included western, eastern and arabic dances and singing by children of various age groups. A beautiful and meaningful religious tableau was presented at this occasion. "Chintinat'lli soirik" a play written and directed by Mr. Dayan  D'Souza, Mukhamar was very well appreciated by all the crowd.

The Bishop in the morning, at 11 am, offered the mass in konkanni, to mark the feast of Monti Mary. Approximately 5000 Konkanni speaking people from all Konkann regions celeberated the mass along with the Bishop. The historic visit of the Bishop to Dubai, ended with traditional "Novem Jevonn" to all the people soon after the cultural function. About 2500 spectators watched this colorful cultural event, some inside the hall and the rest in the open grounds through a closed circuit Televsion.

Report and Photographs by Melvyn Rodrigues exclusively for daijidubai.com