Members Day Celebration of Senior Citizens Club, Derebail

Members Day Celebration of Senior Citizens Club, Derebail

The Senior Citizens Club of Derebail Church celebrated its Members Day on October 24, 2023. The celebration commenced at 5:30 PM with an Eucharistic Celebration, with the Director, V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Martis as the main celebrant. The members actively participated in the liturgy and choir. After the Holy Mass, the members gathered at the Church Meeting Hall for recreation. Rev. Fr. Joseph Martis, the Director, presided as the President of the Function, and Rev. Fr. Kevin Lawrence D’Souza served as the Spiritual Director. Mrs. Sheela D'Souza held the position of Vice President of the PPP, Mr. Denzil Pinto was the Secretary of PPP, Mr. Anil Patrao served as the Coordinator of Commissions, PPP,  Mr.Edward J. Coelho was the President of the Club, and Mrs. Celine Fernandes was the Secretary of the Club, all of whom were present on the stage.

The Governing Body Member Mrs. Felcia Crasta and her team initiated the function with prayers, the Word of God, and singing hymns. The President Mr.Edward welcomed the gathering, emphasizing that senior citizens should live honestly, eat slowly, and humorously lie about their age. A floral welcome, a rose, was given to the guests on the stage. The Secretary Celine presented the report on the activities of the past year. This was followed by a variety of entertainment performances by the members: Mrs.Felcy Fernandes and her team presented a lively dance, Mr.Ronald Akrathi performed an action song and mimicry, Mrs. Celine Fernandes and her team sang a folk song, Mr.Anil Patrao, Mrs.Sheela D'Souza, and Mr.Richard Almeida sang Konkani songs, and Mr.Denzil Pinto expressed joy in his speech. Fr. Kevin congratulated the members and delivered a message, while Mr.Ronald Vaz provided commentary on departures at railways and airports, and Mr.Victor Correa conducted the Housie game.

Towards the end, the Function President, Fr. Joseph Martis, shared his remarks with examples and wished the members a happy life. He encouraged them to attend meetings every month and live positively, disregarding all signs of old age. Finally, Mr. Francis Saldanha, the joint Secretary, gave the vote of thanks, and Fr. Kevin blessed the food and the audience. 

A sumptuous dinner was arranged, and members continued singing during the meal. Mr. Ronald Vaz served as the program's compeer, Mr. Shawn Fernandes handled videography, and Mr. Melville D'Silva managed photography. 

Seventy members were present at the program, which was greatly appreciated by all participants, describing it as the best entertainment they had ever enjoyed.

Report by Edward Coelho.