“HOW PLEASANT AND BEAUTIFUL IT IS, when the brothers and sisters live in unity”

       Here the Velankani Ward belonging to St Lawrence Church Bondel brings you the good tidings of the series of activities that took place on its Annual day Celebration. At the very outset, we never fail to mention here that we belonged to St Agnes Ward which was one of the biggest wards in our Parish. But it was the need of the time that St Agnes Ward being the biggest ward had to be divided into two, so as to regulate the church activities more efficiently and effectively. And that is how on this historic day of 15-09-2013 we were once again reborn into a new ward named ‘Velankani’ after the most holy and famous pilgrim centres in India. Velankani which attracts a thousand of multitude of people across the globe.

     We the members of Velankani ward marked our maiden ‘Annual Day Celebration’ on 25-10-2015 at 5.30pm at the homely resident of one of our ward members Mr Joseph Pinto. No wonder, the feast day began with every member participated with an utmost Veneration and devotion.

   The Annual Day Celebrations reached its climax towards the evening where we had a well planned cultural programme with a unique display of talents from our ward members. The cultural programme began with invocation of the blessings from God the Almighty in and through a prayer song led by Mr Stany Lasrado and team. The programme became still more beautiful with the escorting of the dignitaries of the day in our midst. Rev. Fr Andrew D Souza, our Parish Priest being the president was warmly and whole heartedly welcomed into our midst on this memorable evening. That followed with the welcoming of other dignitaries, Mr Henbert Pinto, the Vice President, Mr Wilfred Alvares, the secretary of the parish council and Mr Neris Dias the Gurkar and member of the church council. A warm word of welcome was given by Mr Neris Dias who made everyone feel at home. The welcome speech was followed by the lighting the Lamp. Mrs Leena D Souza, ward gurkar of St Agnes ward and Mr Prakash Pinto gurkar of St Sabastian Ward and the representatives of our ward Mrs Pauline Cutinha and Mr Francis Veigas accompanied in lighting the lamp. The presentation of Annual report was given by the Secretary of our ward Mrs Pauline Cutinha.

         It was a great day for those exelled well in academics as they were honoured by the Chief guest for their achievements. Added to it Mrs Pauline D Souza the Ex Secretary of the Ward felicitated for the generous and selfless service she rendered to the ward and the church in the past. Much to the delight of those present 100% attendance to the ward meetings were specially called upon and were awarded.

   The chief guest not only inspired with their words of wisdom but also encouraged and appreciated and motivated for all the deliberation and the service rendered by every person towards the growth of the church. Most of all the unity togetherness and working in like- mindedness within the ward were the few things that caught the admiration of the Presicdent for which he showered a loadful appreciation. Mr Francis Veigas delivered the vote of thanks and the stage programme came to an end by singing a hymn to Velankani our Mother Mary.

The cultural event were remarkable as budding musicians, passionate dancers, hilarious actors whether young or old, kids or adults, male or female, married or unmarried forgetting their age limit went beyond every difference to perform breathtaking dances, melodious songs, skits on the stage which kept the heart beat of every enthusiastic spectators beating ever fast. Special thanks Mr Thomas Cutinha who is the man behind preparing the script for the skit & directing it. Mr Jason Pashan and Mr Norbert Cutinha made sure that everyone become a part of the day by conducting interesting games. Those empty hands never returned empty while going home as the deserved winners went back with the handful of prizes and heartfull of gratitude. The memorable cultural event was animated and directed by Ms Shanthi Priya Lasrado. Towards the end brother tummy was never disappointed with the sumptuous and delicious meal that was served to every participant. The day came to an end with a remarkable baila dance by the ward members.

Once again a big thanks to each and everyone!!

God Bless us all!!!