Qatar Pamboorians Mark Family Day

By Philip Mudartha
Bellevision Media Network

Doha, 18 December 2011: Back home, our families came together under the holy premises of Holy Cross Church Pamboor to celebrate the annual parish feast with pomp and fervour.  We, the less fortunate parishioners heard of the grandeur, fun and frolic from our loved ones who were at the solemn feast Mass. The colourful images were brought to us by Bellevision Media Network.

 
It is natural that we too wanted to recreate the festive atmosphere in the small but well-knit Qatar Pamboorians family. The volunteers planned an outdoor gathering at a municipal garden. The weather in December is exceptionally good; the open spaces and sunshine rejuvenate our souls and relax our over worked bodies. It means a lot to those of us, living and working in the Gulf, to be able to enjoy our time out with family and friends under such blissful climate.

 

 

 
At the outset,  Prakash Noronha in his welcome address exchanged greetings of both the Parish Feast and Christmas. Daniel Saldanha, aptly supported by Dorothy Noronha, brilliantly choreographed the motley crowd of a dozen families, tens of  bachelors and their guests into a focused fun-loving community. Daniel with wife Diana and three kids are new arrivals in Qatar. Daniel, brimming with novel ideas, organized group activities suited across age groups. One only had to shed inhibitions: with open mind and light mood, never say no to wriggling one’s body and shaking a leg or two.

 

 
Toss determined that Philip Mudartha and Sandeep Noronha shall ensemble rib tickling short comical skits. Daniel and Dorothy handed out the themes: Mental Asylum to Sandeep’s team and Kindergarten school to Philip’s. Sandeep’s mental asylum inmates, pranced around sending out peals of laughter. But they were beaten at the game by the scholastic achievements of Philip’s cast of wayward kindergartners. 

 
Let the children come to me, had said our Lord, Son of Man. Without the children enjoying, there is no feast. No child went home without playing and winning in fun games; for that matter, no parent and adult watched from the sidelines: they took part with gusto.

 
At the stroke of twelve, however, the venue had to be shifted to nearby beach. The waters were quiet, it was low tide. The wet sand glistened under noon sun. Cool breeze blew; a horde of seagulls flew around; another larger flock of white cranes (dhonkam) glided around. Nothing can be more beautiful and peaceful. God really was with Qatar Pamboorians.

 
A sumptuous buffet was laid innovatively: The Cars boot serving as tables. Our own master chef Srinath and his assistants under talented Wilson had prepared these dishes, which I will not name, because I am sure every home in Pamboor did have them as well. To that extent, we sure were at home! Even oven fresh bread was flown in from the parish bakery!

 
A few more spot games later, Brigit Pinto, visiting her son’s family, as guest of honour, gave away prizes. Brigit is winner of various quiz competitions held by Khursacho Tallo and Rakhnno.

 
Wilfred Pinto, Prakash Noronha and Wilson Sequeira worked behind scenes, coordinating everything. A thanksgiving is customary, which Philip performed with elan. He appealed to well-wishers to augment the resources of Qatar Pamboorians. The small community wants to broaden the horizons of its philanthropic efforts in the parish.

 
Qatar Pamboorians extend Merry Xmas greetings to one and all.