Author: Stanislaus Baptista

Despite the heavy rains in the morning and an overcast sky threatening to pour any minute, the the Matharpacady Residents Welfare Association organised the Whist Drive at St. Isabel’s hall. As in the past, the Whist Drive on Thursday evening, 22nd September, was  under the leadership of Gerard Viegas, and Stan Baptista, Managing Committee Members. The supervisory role as a judge to ensure fair play was once again played by Gilroy Henriques. The  twenty four happy  participants were eagerly applying their minds and skills at this enjoyable card game in friendship and cheer, in two sessions of six card games each. Hot tea and piping hot snacks were freely served at the break.

Attractive cash prizes were awarded to many winners from the highest to even the lowest scores.  The delighted recipients – Mrs. Maureen Xavier,  with 92 points was the first prize winner with highest points. Incidentaly, Mrs. Maureen Xavier would be representing our Rosary Parish at the St. Anne’s Church Senior Citizens Interparish indoor sports events from 23rd September 2016 along with Mr. Bernard Alphonso at Seven Hands. The prize for the highest score in the first half was awarded to Mr. Ignatius Fernandes with  50 points and the prize for the highest score in the second half was shared by Mr. Richard Braganza and Mr. Stanislaus Baptista with 46 points. The prize for the lady with the lowest score was given to Ms. Marie Pereira  (64 points) and the prize for the gent with the lowest score was given to Mr. Glenn Nelson (68 points). All the winners received their gifts to much applause from all the others present.

Mr Gerard Viegas, thanked the participants and guests for making this a happy memorable function, besides the Trustees & Management of St. Isabels High School for the use of their premises.  He also thanked our generous sponsors for the Cash Donation, and the hot tea served at the break. Mr. Tyronne Concescio invited all the participants to the Founder’s Day Mass of St. Isabel’s High School on 8th October 2016. The participants thanked the Committee members for bringing them together at these functions before bidding “Good Night”.

Photographs – Courtesy – Stanislaus Baptista

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Monsoon Whist Drives are a new happening organized by the Welfare Association at St. Isabel’s hall.  The Whist Drive on Thursday evening, 25^th August, was  under the leadership of Gerard Viegas, and Stan Baptista, Managing Committee Members. Gilroy Henriques played a notable supervisory role as a judge to ensure fair play with eight tables by the thirty two participants in two sessions of six card games each. The  thirty two happy  participants were eagerly applying their minds and skills at this enjoyable card game to pleasantly pass the Monsoon blues away in friendship and cheer. Hot tea and biscuits were freely served at the half time break.

Attractive cash prizes were awarded to many winners from the highest to even the lowest scores.  The delighted recipients – Mr. Noel Viegas,  with 90 points was the first prize winner with highest points. The prize for the highest score in the first half was awarded to Mrs. Judith Gore with  51 points and the prize for the highest score in the second half was awarded to  Mrs. Elda Monteiro with 48 points. The prize for the lady with the lowest score was given to Mrs. Joy Henriques  (69 points) and the prize for the gent with the lowest score was given to Mr. Jeffrey Fernandes (67 points). They all received the gifts to much applause from all the others present.

Mr Gerard Viegas, thanked the participants and guests for making this a happy memorable function, besides the Trustees & Management of St. Isabel’s High School for the use of their premises.  He also thanked our generous sponsors for the Cash Donation, the piping hot tea served at the break and the key chains given to all the participants. Smiling contented guests asked Committee Members to organize such Whist Drives regularly before bidding “Good Night”.

Photographs Courtesy – Stanislaus Baptista

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Monsoon Whist Drives are a new happening organized by the Welfare Association at St. Isabel’s hall. Uncle Gerard gave us another one just like the other one on Thursday, the 28^th July evening at St. Isabel’s Hall.  Along with Stan Baptista , Uncle Gerard made things happen again at the Whist Drive with  nine  tables of  thirty six happy  participants eagerly applying their minds and skills at this enjoyable card game to pleasantly pass the Monsoon blues away in friendship and cheer. Piping hot batata vadas and tea were provided at the half time break as the rain pelted down outdoors and folk mingled and exchanged pleasantries.  Attractive cash prizes were awarded to many winners from the highest to even the lowest scores.  The first prize for the person with highest scores in both sessions was shared by two persons – Ms. Mary Ann D’Mello and  Mrs. Evla D’Souza with 87 points. The prize for the highest score in the first half went to Mr. Archie Coelho with 46 points, while the prize for the highest score in the second half was shared by three persons – Mrs. Joy Henriques,  Mrs. Naomi Ibrahim and Mr. Joachim Sequeira – with 44 points. For the first half the prize for the lowest score was shared by two persons – Ms. Marie Pereira and Mr Leon DaCosta – with 33 points. The prize for the lowest score in the second half went to Mrs. Dulcina Vaz with 30 points.

Mr Gerard Viegas, thanked the participants and guests for making this a happy memorable function, besides the Trustees & Management of St. Isabels High School for the use of their premises.  He also thanked our generous sponsors for the Cash Donation, and the piping hot, delicious snacks served at the break. Smiling contented guests asked Committee Members to organize such Whist Drives regularly before bidding “Good Night”.

With inputs fromTyronne Concescio

Photographs – Courtesy – Stanislaus Baptista

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The Matharpacady Residents Welfare Association organised their first Talent Contest – Fancy Dress, Singing and Dance Competition on Sunday, 17th July 2016 at St. Isabel’s High School Hall from 6.00 pm onwards. Both children and a few adults took part in these competitions to the lustily cheering and applause from all those present. Our Master of Ceremonies,  Merwyn D’Mello,  compered the function, while DJ’s Rodger Gonsalves and Clinton Lobo provided the sound and set the tempo for the evening  with their music. Tasty refreshments in boxes were served to all after the three contests. Thereafter, Dennis Baptista organised a Quiz for all those present, based on the just concluded Euro 2016. Nathan Borges and Canute Monteiro were awarded the first and second prizes respectively for this Quiz.  Prizes were also given to the children for the game of passing the parcel as well as many spot prizes.

Special thanks to our two judges -Mrs  Jennifer Rodriques and Mrs Frenny Siganporia for spending their time with us to select our winners. Each and every participant was awarded prizes. The details of the prize winners are given below :

Fancy Dress – below 10 years : 1st Prize Derrick D’Souza (3 years) – Twinkling Star, 2nd Prize Elijah Monteiro (5 years) – Giraffe, 3rd Prize Shalom Mendes  (9 years) – Peace, 4th Prize Steven Alphonso (3 years) – Chacha Nehru.

Singing – 10 years & below : 1st Prize Jaden Valladares (10 years), 2nd Prize Rhea Viegas (3 years), 3rd Prize Shalom Mendes (9 years), 4th Prize Sarah Pulical (10 years), 5th Prize Eldrick D’Souza (5 years).

Singing – Above 10 years : 1st Prize Humera Shaikh (13 years), 2nd Prize Ryan Viegas (12 years),  3rd Prize Domnic Fernandes (70 years), 4th Prize Sneha Peres (11 years), 5th Prize Mehndi Khan (13 years).

Dance – Individual : 1st Prize Shalom Mendes (9 years), 2nd Prize Rhea Viegas (3 years).

Dance – Group : 1st Prize – Manasi Sakhare, Kumkum Joshi & Bhavna Parmar (all 14 years).

Our heartfelt thanks to Percy D’Souza for sponsoring all the prizes for the function.

Merwyn thanked all the participants and their parents for taking the trouble in preparing their kids for the fancy dress, singing as well as the dance competition. He also thanked all the guests present for coming to encourage those who had taken part in the competitions. He thanked the Managing Committee, the Trustees and Management of St. Isabel’s High School, all the contestants for a memorable, enjoyable evening of competition and camaradie. We are looking forward to making this an annual event.

Dennis Baptista announced that the next Whist Drive would be held on Thursday, 28th July 2016 from 6.00 pm onwards at the St. Isabel’s High School.

With inputs from – Canute Monteiro

Photographs – Courtesy Stanislaus Baptista

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Yet another Monsoon event was organized by the Matharpacady Residents’ Welfare Association at St. Isabel’s High School on Thursday, 7^th July 2016.  The responsibility of holding the fourth WHIST DRIVE was again given to Mr. Gerard Viegas. Forty four participants and other guests were warmly greeted as they entered the decoratively lit hall and registered themselves.  Participants, four a table, were seated at numbered tables to enjoy this competitive card game.  The whist drive was in two sessions of six games each.  Gerard Viegas summarized the rules and regulations. Two umpires – Gilroy Henriques and Stan Baptista – monitored the games   The Whist Drive started at 6.15 P.M. and ended at 9.30 P.M.   Light refreshments of hot chai and piping hot bread rolls were served at the break in sessions.  Highest scorers were awarded generous cash prizes.  The delighted recipients – Mrs. Joanita DaCosta and Ms Mary Ann D’Mello shared the first prize,  with 94 points. The second prize winner with highest points in the first session was also shared by Ms Lizanne Noronha and Ms Corrina Vongeyer with 48 points. The prize for the highest score in the second half went to Mr Richard Braganza with 51 points. The prize for the lady with the lowest score was given to Mrs. Maureen Xavier  and the prize for the gent with the lowest score was given to Mr Trevor D’Sylva.  In addition there were three TOTE prizes in cash that were given to Ms Pat Adams, Mr B D’Souza and Mr Dennis Baptista. Besides the above cash prizes, there was a lucky draw and 36 participants were given ladies/gents umbrellas. All the winners received their prizes to much applause.

Mr Gerard Viegas, thanked the participants and guests for making this a happy memorable function, assuring them that their request for more Whist Drives would be kept in mind.  He also thanked our generous sponsor for a Cash Donation, the piping hot, delicious snacks served at the break and also for the Umbrellas. The Vice President, Dennis Baptista spoke of the Committee’s plans for the  forthcoming “TALENT COMPETITION” (Fancy Dress, Singing, & Dancing) to be followed by a MONSOON DANCE at St. Isabel’s on Sunday, 17th July from 5.00 pm. He extended an invitation to take part in this Competition and also get their neighbours and friends to attend the same. Tyronne Concescio informed the residents of Matharpacady Village who were present, on the Revised Draft DP for Mumbai city with particular reference to our village. He requested those present from the village to collect the letters on suggestions and objections to be filed before 20th July 2016. The same needs to be duly filled in and submitted to the Municipal Commissioner at the earliest. The Welfare Association is striving to bring families closer, by fostering a spirit of fellowship and co-operation. This will help to strengthen and build our community.

Photographs – Courtesy Stanislaus Baptista

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The third Whist Drive was organized by the Matharpacady Residents’ Welfare Association at St. Isabel’s High School on Thursday, 9^th June 2016.  As in the earlier Whist Drives, the Managing Committee delegated the responsibility of holding this to Mr. Gerard Viegas. Thirty two participants and other guests were warmly greeted by the Mr. Gerard Viegas as they entered the decoratively lit hall.  Participants, four a table, were seated at numbered tables to enjoy this competitive card game.  The whist drive was in two sessions of six games each.  Gerard Viegas summarized the rules and regulations. Two umpires – Stan Baptista and Gilroy Henriques – monitored the games. The Whist Drive started at 5.45 P.M. and ended at 7.45 P.M.   Stan Baptista captured these moments on camera for us. Light refreshments of hot tea and biscuits were served at the break in sessions, with Sprite given at the end of the session.  Highest scorers were awarded generous cash prizes.  The delighted recipients – Mrs. Joy Henriques,  with 92 points was the first prize winner with highest points. The prize for the highest score in the first half was awarded to Mrs Brenda Texeira with  49 points and the prize for the highest score in the second half was awarded to  Mr Dennis Baptista with 49 points. The prize for the lady with the lowest points was given to Mrs. Charmaine Vongeyer  (68 points) and the prize for the gent with the lowest points was given to Mr Bernard Alphonso (66 points). They all received the gifts to much applause from all the others present.

Mr Gerard Viegas, thanked all the participants and guests for making this a happy memorable function. He assured them that their request for more Whist Drives would be kept in mind and requested them to spread the word round so that we could have more participants.  He thanked the Management and Trustees of St. Isabels High School, Mr Tyronne Concescio and Mr Dennis Baptista for allowing us the use of the Hall and other amenities for all our functions. The Welfare Associations purpose is to bring families closer together at these functions, by fostering a spirit of friendship and co-operation so as to strengthen and build the Catholic community.

Photographs – Courtesy : Stanislaus Baptista

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On Sunday evening, 1^st May 2016, over 350 residents and friends assembled around the decorated stage and altar near the Holy Cross Oratory, to devoutly participate in praise, song and worship at the Feast Mass.  The Managing Committee organized the 141^st Thanksgiving Novena Services and Feast Mass Celebrations.  This tradition has been handed down by our forebears down the decades for well over a century to protect the resident families from the scourge of plague and pestilence.  The traditional Novena Services include the recitation of the Holy Rosary, and the Litany of Our Lady, the Litany of the Holy Cross and the Litany of St. Roque [patron saint to safeguard us from plague and pestilence].  The nine day Novena Services commenced on 22^nd April and were well attended.

Reverend Father Sandeep Borges, Parish Assistant, Holy Magi Church, Gorai, was the Chief Celebrant at the Cross Feast Mass.  Reverend Father H. Jagaraj, Superior of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers, concelebrated the Feast Mass with three Brothers of his Congregation.  As the Priests solemnly came in procession from “Eymard Cottage” [Headquarters of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers at 22 Matharpacady] to the Altar, Captain Julius Valladares welcomed them on behalf of the Managing Committee  and all present.  He said that Father Sandeep was rightly and affectionately nicknamed “Santaclaus Father”, “Smiley face Father”, “Spot Prize Father” etc. because of his amiable nature and reaching out to babies, small children, youth, adults, the aged and infirm blessing them and giving them small gift  crucifixes, medals, key chains, sweets,  etc. before and after religious services at which he officiates.  He had already endeared himself to the large gathering of worshippers today. After the mass, Rev. Fr. Sandeep distributed small crucifixes, key chains and pens to many residents and well wishers.   The choir, led by Vincent Mascarenhas and Hansel Baptista, requested the faithful to join in singing the entrance hymn “Come On And Celebrate” whole-heartedly as the Eucharistic Sacrifice began.  During the homily, Father Sandeep emphasized on the need for all of us to accept our daily trials and tribulations in life as “Crosses” taking them up and bearing them in the spirit of true Christian faith, and then we would experience Jesus walking alongside us and bearing the weight of our heavy Crosses in life.  The Celebrants blessed the congregation with the True Relic of the Cross as Holy  Mass ended. At her Vote of Thanks,  Mrs. Carole Viegas, President, expressed the Committee’s  gratitude to Rev. Fr. Sandeep Borges for celebrating the Feast Mass and his inspiring homily, to Rev. Fr. Jagaraj and the Blessed Sacrament Brothers for their constant support to the community, Rev. Fr. Frank Fernandes, our Parish Priest, the Choir, the Trustees of St. Isabel’s High School, decorators, donors, benefactors and volunteers. The choir sang harmoniously hymns of praise and worship as residents went to the Holy Cross Oratory to kiss and venerate the Relic of the Cross and collect their box of tasty snacks.

A delightful entertainment program followed and kept the audience very happy and amused. Fifteen small children – very young girls and boys, well trained by Mrs. Neollene  Fialho, Mrs. Vera  Monteiro and Mrs. Avina D’Souza,  sang, danced and performed to the ever popular songs from “The Sound of Music” and “Jungle Book”. “Sunday Morning” and “Down By the Bay” sung by  the kids were trained by Desiree Fernandes. Captain Julius Valladares admirably compered this show, introducing the colorful and wacky characters “Aunty Maggie” [Merwyn D’Mello] and “Uncle Siloo” [Dennis Baptista], in-between the kiddies song-and-dance, to regale the audience in repeated rounds of applause and appreciation for all the entertainers, especially the loveable small children.  Thereafter, Desmond Baptista and Andrew D’Sylva kept folk happy and excited as they waited for Dame Fortune to smile on them during a few games of “Housie”, Bingo! Many lucky ones did strike it rich on our Feast Day.

Compiled by Tyronne Concescio, Hon. Secretary, Matharpacady Holy Cross Oratory Committee

Photographs – Courtesy – Stanislaus Baptista

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The Residents’ Welfare Association (ALM) of Matharpacady Heritage Precinct Organised its inaugural tele-games aptly called ‘Summer Madness’ at St. Isabel’s High School on Saturday, 16^th April 2016.  The core organising team of Captain Julius Valladares, Canute & Vera Monteiro, Avina D’souza, Clyde Soares, Charmaine Vongeyer, Stan Baptista and Tyronne Concescio meticulously planned this event with a series of four distinctive,  amusing and eye-catching tele-games.

Captain Julius welcomed over 140 participants and well-wishers of the four participating teams – the Yellow Rangers. Blue Seafarers, Green Dragons and Red Riders. He invited the Captains and Vice Captains to lead their teams in a colourful march past before taking the pledge and declaring the Tele-games open. Captains and Vice Captains solemly affirmed they would abide by the rules, play sportingly and  spread the message of unity and friendship to all.

Each team had an average of 30 persons ranging from children below 5 years to senior citizens in their 70’s and one Feisty Lady above 80 years. About 10 persons took part in each of the series of tagging Tele-games which were innovatively planned with surprising twists and turns around the hall venue. Excitement gripped the festive air as exuberant team mates and supporters cheered the contestants on at every stage of the games. Small kiddies, young children, youth, middle-aged and seniors eagerly awaited their turn, enthusiastically competing in their event.  Team leaders, team mates and supporters watched with bated breath as the score points were marked up on the scoreboard after each series of games.

Light tasty refreshments were served to all guests after the second series of the four series tele-games.  Refreshments were sourced from Mrs. Rosy D’Silva  and daughter Francy.

Mango squash and Bisleri Water was from Karwa Decorators, with complimentary Wafers and Sweet Chivda was gifted by St. Isabel’s Management at the grand finale.

As the fourth game  ended, teams and supporters assembled before the stage for the prize awards ceremony. Captain Julius announced surprise prize winners amidst rounds of applause –

Early Bird Prize             –  Steven Alphonso

Oldest Contestant         – Mrs. Iona D’costa

Swimming Costume     – Elijah Monteiro

Team with most members at 5.00 p.m.   –  Yellow Rangers

Best Costume and Theme    –  Blue Seafarers

Best Dressed Boy      –  Joshua Mendes

Best Dressed Girl      –  Shalom Mendes

Amidst thunderous applause, all teams were awarded prizes  –

FIRST PRIZE  –  Green Dragons [Captain Pradeep Naik, Vice Captain Charmaine Vongeyer]

SECOND PRIZE –  Yellow Rangers [Captain Glen Vongeyer, Vice Captain Reena Naik]

THIRD PRIZE       –  Red Riders [Captain Vincent Mascarenhas, Vice Captain Levita Figueiredo]

FOURTH PRIZE   –  Blue Seafarers [Captain Noelene Fialho, Vice Captain Franz Dias]

Captain Julius and the organising committee specially thanked Percy D’Souza [President MRWA], Martin Cardoso [former Secretary], Lawrence D’souza [Treasurer], Dr. Gerald Mascarenhas [member], Tyronne Concescio [member] requesting them to award the prizes.   Stan Baptista was thanked for arranging the music, Brazilio Fialho for doing the honours as the official photographer, St. Isabels Management for their constant support to the Association and organisers of various events held in the school premises.  Tyronne requested those present and their families to attend the Novena Services at the Holy Cross Oratory starting at 7.30 p.m. on Friday, 22^nd  April and the Feast Mass at 7.00 p.m. on Sunday, 1^st May 2016.  He also stated that Mr. Gerard Viegas would be the Chief Organiser for the Whist Drive in early June at St. Isabel’s.

We record our heartfelt gratitude to the Organising Committee and all contestants who experienced a wonderful evening of sportive camadarie and a memorable, enjoyable summer madness at our Telegames.

Compiled by Tyronne Concescio with inputs from Canute Monteiro

Photography Courtesy – Brazilio Fialho

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Mrs. Charmaine Vongeyer, Managing Committee Member, welcomed more than a hundred family members and guests at St. Isabel’s School grounds on Sunday evening, 10th January 2016, on behalf of the Matharpacady Residents’ Welfare Association ALM. Family Day festivities started with a meaningful Prayer of Thanksgiving by our Treasurer, Lawrence D’Souza. The game of Musical Chairs was a big hit, followed by the zany Grand March conducted by our Lady Compere Ms. Michelle Fernandes to the pulsating music of the evergreen DJ Royalson.

After a short respite for some tasty refreshments by our Caterer, Mr Vally Machado, contestants from four teams vied to dress up and parade their “Village Queen” – a sporting gent from each team “dolled up” by enthusiastic team members, and vociferously egged on by the lustily cheering spectators, who then posed, strutted and paraded around. The cheering audience and teams thoroughly enjoyed this Fashion Show of Village Queens before the judges, who praised the efforts of all four teams and awarded the First Beauty Queen Prize to Bro. Raghu SSS. Thereafter, DJ Royalson’s music made both the youth and adults make a beeline to the floor to dance to their hearts content. Clyde Soares and Rev. Fr. Frank Fernandes – Parish Priest, Rosary Church, implored the Lord’s blessings before leading us to a delicious buffet dinner. Post dinner, another game of “Passing the Parcel” was organized. Our games co-ordinators, Merwyn D’Mello, Ms. Corina Vongeyer and Ms. Beverley D’Souza ensured good team participation.

During his Vote of Thanks, Prince Pulical reiterated the Managing Committee’s New Year Greetings and Blessings to all families and their guests and was happy that they had all enjoyed this memorable festive evening. He thanked the Board of Trustees of St. Isabel’s School for giving us their grounds and fixtures free of cost, DJ Royalson for really great and groovy music, Caterer Mr. Vally for tasty food, Michelle for superbly compering this function, Clyde and Rona for manning the entry gate dedicatedly. Prince also expressed gratitude to the Committee’s Secretary, Mr. Canute Monteiro for his always active assistance and to Andrew D’Sylva our very professional and smiling ace photographer and perennial Committee stalwarts, Stan and Dennis Baptista, Gerard Veigas, Tyronne Concescio, Julius Valladares, Ignatius Fernandes, and others. Kudos go to Mr. Percy D’Souza, President of the MRWA who energetically leads from the front and generosouly provided most of the prize gifts and colourful calendars to all our guests.

Happy families fondly bide their “Adieus” as they exchanged stories of the good times they had during the Christmas and New Year Season in Matharpacady Village successfully organised by the Managing Committee of the Matharpacady Residents’ Welfare Association ALM.

Article – Courtesy Tyronne Concescio

Photographs – Courtesy Andrew D’Sylva

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