Source Courtesy : Mid-day 22nd December 2017
Category: Featured
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Mumbai Mirror, 21st December 2017
PLAN AHEAD
WHERE: S G Jewellers, Byculla
A walk inside Matharpacady village
If you want to do something exciting this Christmas, join this walk and discover Mathapacady. This charming little Portuguese hamlet is situated in Mazgaon, one of the oldest islands of the city. This village, which has been granted grade III heritage status, was built, nurtured and populated by the East Indians. Its architecture is characterised by two-storied colored houses with staircases, skilled woodwork and sloping Mangalore tiled roofs and the East Indian catholic culture. Bonus: at the end of the walk, enjoy some local plum cake.
When: Dec 25, 4 pm Cost: Rs 720 Call:9833163486
Source Courtesy : Mumbai Mirror, 21st December 2017
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Monsoon Happenings – Village Championship
The Managing Committee of the Matharpacady Residents Welfare Association successfully organized fun-filled events and contests for families in the neighbourhood at St. Isabel’s School during the Monsoons.
“Monsoon Splash” was organized on Sunday, 18th June 2017. Participants of four teams named as Thunder, Lightning, Rainbow and Puddles [comprising of 25 members each, both children and adults].
Folk eagerly awaited the other events in the pipeline when expressing their gratitude to the Committee Members.
Both in the months of July and August the Managing Committee organized Whist Drives on Tuesday evening at St. Isabel’s, which were well patronized by senior citizens. Complimentary refreshments were served to them. The next Whist Drive is scheduled during the month of September 2017.
The heavy Monsoon downpour on Sunday, 20th August 2017 did not put a damper on the Indoor Carrom, Table Tennis and Foosball Contests organized by the Managing Committee at St. Isabel’s School under the banner of “Village Championship”. Mr Clyde Soares along with other committee members and residents helped organise this event. About 40 persons from children to senior adults took part in the singles carrom and around 30 persons took part in the singles table tennis contests. Four teams of eight each took part in the Foosball. For the participants this very rainy day was a fun filled happy day as they eagerly awaited their turn and competed fiercely at the events. The Committee provided light refreshments like sandwiches, veg. bread rolls, wafers and fruit juice cans at subsidized rates. Some of these refreshments were sponsored. After staging the carrom and table tennis competitions in the morning, Foosball was a most enjoyable hectic event for the team members during the afternoon. Spectators egged them on with loud shrieks of encouragement and excited comments. The President Mr. Percy D’Souza took great pains, with other Committee Members, to arrange for medals and cash prizes for the winners of each contest. Managing Committee Members gave away the prizes. Mr. Lovson Monis was presented the First Prize, a gold medal and cash award in Table Tennis while the silver medal and cash prize went to Mr. Glen Vongeyer and the bronze medal and cash price went to Ms. Swati Gupta a student of St. Isabel’s High School. In carrom, the gold medal and cash prize was awarded to Mr. Neeraj while the silver medal and cash prize was presented to Rev. Fr. Thomas of Our Lady of Glory Church, Byculla and the bronze medal and cash prize went to Mr. Richard Braganza. In the Carrom Contest, a special prize to the youngest budding player was awarded to Ms. Ankita, a student of St. Isabel’s High School.
In Foosball, the gold medals and cash prize was given to the team, Fleetfooters, and the silver medals and cash prize was given to the team, Daredevils. A special prize was given to the team, Super Angels, comprising of the students of St. Isabel’s High School.
Participants in all the contests and well-wishers expressed their gratitude to the Managing Committee for making this wet, wet day such a joyous fun filled day for them and looked forward to future events. Our heartfelt thanks to the Trustees and Management of St. Isabel’s High School. The aim of organising these activities on a regular basis is to bring the community together.
Compiled by Tyronne Concescio with inputs from Stan Baptista and Ms. Vidhyashri Veloo. Photos courtesy Stan Baptista, Ms. Vidhyashri Veloo & Mrs. Judith Gonsalves
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Cyril’s Surprises
When you meet Cyril Alphonso, you will be surprised. He is more tech savvy than an average youth, inspite of his age ( 82 years). He started off as a radio operator, but also held many posts at different times, when sailing with Wallem’s shipping Company.
My earliest memories as a young boy, was to see him at his verandah, giving us a wave of his hand in greeting. One vivid moment was, when he caught a kite that drifted into his balcony; he called out to me and handed over that precious piece of flying paper, which gave me great joy.
He was at that time one of the few ham radio operators in India. He still operates under the code name VU2AY. Before satellites existed, the ham radio operation was a sure way of communication in times of disaster or wars. Even today, the ham radio community of operators exists and are in touch with one another.
His knowledge has since increased to computer stuff, which consists of hardware and software.
He has been of great help to the nearby St. Isabel’s School, where he helped start the Computer department. Subsequently he provides assistance to any person in need of old computer equipment for which he is adept at upgrading or providing solutions.
The miracle of Cyril, is that he now lives a second life. He was seriously sick and hospitalized. We wondered how he would come through after major stomach operations. But he has rebounded back to normalcy with a bang. After spending a lot of time being bed-ridden, he now walks around the neighbourhood. His faith in God, has given him this new lease of life.
Cyril is gifted with a knowledge of multiple languages i.e English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Japanese, Hindi, Marathi, Malayalam, and Gujarati, and has the desire to learn even more of the local languages in India.
He has a compilation of spiritual music, and teaching modules which he has saved over the years.
But today, he is keen on passing on this treasury of knowledge in diverse stream , to his family and friends, rather than seeing it all going to waste. I am one of his beneficiaries.
Cyril has updated knowledge of all matters of the village specially in regard to the Leased land. He has made it a point to study old documents which provides relevant information when needed.
I got to know Cyril better during my visits with Holy Communion to his home. But with improved mobility, he made it a point to attend the Eucharist daily, in the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers, at Matharpacady.
I was in the midst of this article , and had not completed it for some weeks. Suddenly one day I got to know that Cyril had a heart attack, and was admitted to hospital for immediate surgery.
I was away from home, during this time, on a retreat; I prayed that I may see Cyril well again, on my return. And yes, this wish was granted. I was overjoyed to see him back home. He is slowly recovering, and his family is around him to shower him with their love and care. Cyril’s wife Sydil is a devout lady, and they have been happily married. A few years ago they celebrated their golden wedding. They have two sons and a daughter, who have all started families of their own.
A walk with Cyril, would be a slow walk , but with a lot of talk!
We wish Cyril many more fruitful years in the quaint environment of Matharpacady.
PS: Subsequent to this article, Cyril had a slump in health which involved hospitalisation twice during the last fortnight. He says that his time spent there helped him to share with Jesus a memorable Holy Week; and on Easter Monday he was back home. He has a bright and cheerful look. But now he will walk less, maybe talk less, and listen more!
Courtesy : Vincent Mascarenhas
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Family Get Together – Matharpacady Heritage Village
Families gathered at the village center on Thursday evening, 23rd February 2017. Dennis Baptista, Vice President of the Matharpacady Residents Welfare Association ALM welcomed the resident families requesting them to participate joyfully in the short prayer and worship session followed by entertainment and refreshments. After an opening hymn, Canute led the people in prayer. Then, each melodious hymn was followed by intercessory prayers by Prayer Leaders from different areas of the village. A round of light refreshments was served. Ms. Vidhya asked Ignatius to conduct the first game of “Chinese Housie” which was a novelty to the audience. In sequence Vidhya, Renie and Charmaine then conducted amusing games for small children, parents, youth and even seniors – namely, bursting the balloons, the chillie in the bottle, hula hoop dancing, husbands being bottle fed by their spouses, and a final game of the traditional ‘housie’. The first, second and third placed winners of every game were awarded prize gifts. Groovy music by DJ Rodger and Canute set the mood and kept feet tapping during the games and at the dance session. Managing Committee Members Charmaine, Stan, Canute, Renie, Judith, Joe, Gerry, Martin, Percy, Dennis and others ensured that all the 85 family members present were served delicious snacks like samosas, pattice, wafers, cake and mixed fruit juice. Helpers were also given the same.
On behalf of all residents and families who were present, Tyronne gave a “Vote Of Thanks” expressing their heartfelt gratitude to the Managing Committee Members of the Welfare Association for organizing such a wonderful Family Get-Together completely free of cost. He made special mention and thanked Percy D’Souza, President, for always being most generous in sponsoring gifts for prizes, refreshments, etc. As Secretary of the Holy Cross Committee, Tyronne requested the village folk to participate devoutly in the ‘Way Of The Cross” Lenten Services that would be organized around the bylanes of Matharpacady Village and the Novena Services scheduled to begin on 22nd April and in the 142nd Feast Day Celebrations on 1st May 2017. On behalf of the Managing Committee, he bade all families a memorable goodnight.
Compiled by Tyronnne Concescio. Photographs courtesy Stanislaus Baptista
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Cruise Ship Diaries – Three
During the past one month, our quaint little village has been receiving visitors from Germany. This has been possible through Lotus Destinations Pvt. Ltd. who have arranged to get these visitors to our Heritage Village. These tourists have been coming to Mumbai by Cruise Ships starting from Germany via Dubai, Mumbai, Goa and then Mangalore. So far we have received four groups of visitors starting from 23rd November 2016, 5th December 2016, 19th December 2016 and 20th December 2016. These cruises are typically of around 14 days duration. Visitors who had come on 19th and 20th December 2016 came by the Cruise Ship “Aida Aura”. Their stopover in Mumbai is mainly for one night or maximum two nights and one of their must visit places while in Mumbai is to our Heritage Village at Matharpacady. Besides a walk around our heritage precinct to explain the history of the various landmarks, the visitors are treated to a brunch by Hansel Baptista at his residence. Almost all the visitors are surprised that such a quaint, quiet little place exists in the heart of the city. With the Christmas decorations already up, the whole place looks very festive with Christmas Carols filling the air. We have heard that more Cruise Ships will be stopping by at Mumbai and at least two Cruise Ships will be expected every month.
Given below please find an article in The Times of India of 23rd December 2016 (Page 5) – “First Cruise Ship set to sail from City and back”
Mumbai: Italian international cruise ship Costa-neo-Classica arrived at MbPT in Mumbai at 8.30am on Thursday. It is the first one to be home-ported in Mumbai (will start and end its cruise operations in Mumbai). This home-porting experiment matters most in the history of Indian cruise tourism since earlier ventures have failed and could not last for long. Home-porting will also reduce cost of cruising for Indian tourist
The ship started from Maldives with 1,100 passengers, 400 of whom had flown to Maldives from India. In Mumbai, 1,001 passengers disembarked while 99 will continue their onward journey. Around 840 tourists will embark the ship from Mumbai. The ship will leave Mumbai for New Mangalore port on Saturday. After a day’s stay there and sight-seeing it will leave for Kochi port. — Chittaranjan Tembhekar
Note : Photographs of visitors who visited our Village on 20th December 2016.
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Mumbai takes a bow as Goa-born violinist celebrates 100th birthday
Jun 30 2015 : The Times of India (Mumbai)
Mumbai : TNN
“Now tell me, do I look that old?“ asked Mauro Alphonso, grinning as he posed for photographs, his violin in tow. He certainly did not.
As he laughed and chatted with family members on Monday evening, and recollected anecdotes from years ago, it was hard to believe the Mazgaon resident was celebrating his 100th birthday . The occasion marked not only a century of an adventure-filled life, but also several decades of old Bombay’s musical heritage, of which the garrulous gentleman had been a vital part.
Alphonso was 12 years old when he left his home in Goa’s Taleigaon village and moved to Mumbai to pursue his love for music. Soon, he specialized in playing the violin.
The early days of his career saw Alphonso playing with the Mehli Mehta Orchestra, and then leading several other orchestras in Bombay .During the 1940s, Alphonso was popular on the city’s music circuit. He performed with artistes like Dominic Pereira and Gopi Krishna, and was a familiar face at gigs hosted by venues like the Taj Mahal hotel, at Parsi weddings and even on All India Radio.
At a special party on Sunday , the family plans to ensure the celebration does full justice to grandpa Alphonso, who ensured future generations didn’t fall out of tune. His three sons inherited his love for music and played at the Taj, when they were as young as 6, 9 and 12 years old respectively . Alphonso also formed the Alph Brothers group (it was later called Alph Tzigane Trio) with them. TNN
Source : The Times of India, 30th June 2015, Page 3.
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Tourist Guide Association of Mumbai
On Monday, 8th June 2015 around 35 persons from TOGA, The Tourist Guide Association of Mumbai visited our village at around 8.30 am. They were welcomed by the committee members of the Matharpacady Residents Welfare Association and the Holy Cross Oratory. Julius Valladares and Hansel Baptista took them around the village precinct and explained the history of the various landmarks in the area alongwith the other committee members. They were taken aback on being welcomed warmly by our residents and appreciated the cleanliness and maintenance being done to preserve our area. In fact, many of them mentioned that our village scores higher points on quite a few aspects with respect to Khotachiwadi. After the tour round the village – significance of the Holy Cross Oratory, the village well, the numerous well maintained bungalows as well as a visit to the Club of Paroda – they were treated to some light snacks and cold drinks at the residence of Hansel Baptista. A short video was screened for them highlighting the various cottages and areas of the village. A small memento presented to each and every member on behalf of the village was greatly appreciated by them.
We given below a couple of messages received from some of them after their visit :
Dear Mr.D`Souza,
TOGA, the Tourist Guide Association of Mumbai, are extremely happy at the welcome and hospitality the residents of Matharpacady laid out for us today.
The love and pride you have for your heritage and the unity, bonhomie and affection between the residents will be etched in our memory forever.
We will forward your information to tour operators to make your village famous. And we will send you all the contacts essential for the preservation of your village for your next generation.
We thank you for your heartful hospitality.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
For TOGA
Jerroo Bharrucha
President”Mr Manas A – The pleasure was all ours. We had a great time & were touched with your hospitality. We will certainly ……
Mr Arun S – The whole group really enjoyed your talk and appreciated the effort of the community in making our trip a wonderful experience – Thanks once again for the effort.
Photographs : Courtesy Andrew D’Sylva
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140th Anniversary Cross Feast Celebrations
Preparatory Novena Services at the Holy Cross Oratory in Matharpacady Heritage Precinct commenced on Tuesday, 22nd April 2015. Managing Committee Member Mr. Hansel Baptista appointed daily Prayer Leaders from all areas of the village and ably organized the services, which were attended by about 100 persons. Traditional distribution of boiled gram was done by Mrs. Muriel Baptista. Captain Julius Valladares and his team of youth made lip smacking sev-puri, ragda puri and medhu vadas on separate Novena days that the faithful relished. High points of the Novena on penultimate days, organized by Hansel, was a Pentitential Service with Confessions heard by Rev. Father Dhanam at “Eymard Cottage”, the Blessed Sacrament Headquarters on 29th April 2015, and, a Holy Half-Hour Silent Adoration Service on 30th April 2015, which was well attended. We are grateful to Rev. Father Frank Fernandes, Parish Priest, Rosary Church, for his kind permission to our Managing Committee.
Catholic resident families with their relatives, guests and well wishers gathered in large numbers in the heart of Matharpacady Heritage Village for the landmark religious and festive celebrations on Friday evening, 1st May 2015. His Lordship Bishop John Rodrigues, the Rector of St. Pius X College at Goregaon, with concelebrant Rev. Father Dhanam were escorted in a solemn procession from the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at ‘Eymard Cottage’ to the newly renovated Holy Cross Oratory. His Grace Bishop John Rodrigues was welcomed by the assembly of over 350 devout people and the chiming of the Oratory bell. Intoning solemn prayers whilst incensing the original heritage Holy Cross and Oratory, His Lordship invoked God’s abundant blessings on the residents and families, before blessing a commemorative brass plaque installed in front of the Oratory. He then proceeded to the raised beautifully decorated center-stage to celebrate the Eucharistic Sacrifice along with Rev. Father Dhanam of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers. In an inspiring homily, His Grace Bishop John fondly recollected his boyhood days spent along with his brothers Luke and Savio at the home of their Uncle Wency and Aunty Rose D’Mello, Their bungalow was adjacent to the Cross Oratory. Throughout his homily Bishop John emphasized that God the Father and Jesus ask nothing at all from us despite all our human failings. We should keep our hearts and minds always open to receive their boundless love and divine gifts, personified in the outstretched arms of Jesus on the Cross. He hoped we would continue in good faith our religious traditions of honoring the Holy Cross down the decades, as the Cross of Christ is the sole means of protecting us from harm and evil. The zestful choir, well trained by Austin Alphonso, gladdened the hearts of the faithful as they led in glorious song and praise to the Lord. Hansel Baptista and Vincent Mascarenhas did a commendable job with the Mass liturgy, the choir, and after the Final Blessing with the Relic of the True Cross, the veneration of the Relic at the Oratory. Volunteers disbursed a box of tasty refreshments to every person who attended the Feast Mass.
The Managing Committee organized an entertainment program for His Grace Bishop John Rodrigues, Rev. Father Dhanam, our main benefactors for the renovated Oratory – Brendon and Therese Pereira, other guests and the large audience. Little children, the youth and even adults staged good performances with songs and dance, to the constant applause of an appreciative audience. Thereafter, games of ‘housie’ kept people happy with their fingers crossed for Dame Fortune to smile and reward them. During the entertainment and ‘housie’, mango juice was served freely to one and all to quench their thirst and clamour for more fun filled events by the Managing Committees of the Holy Cross Oratory and the Matharpacady Residents Welfare Association.
The Managing Committee wishes to thank all the donors and benefactors who so generously contributed towards defraying the expenses for the renovation of the Oratory as well as the expenses towards the Novena and Feast Day celebrations.
Photographs – Courtesy Andrew D’Sylva
