The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP), Bondel, organised a short yet meaningful programme to mark the New Year 2026, soon after the New Year Mass, in the church compound.

The programme was graced by the presence of Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius D’Souza, Bishop of Bareilly Diocese; Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest of Bondel; Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest; and Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St. Lawrence English Medium School. Also present on the dais were Mr. Prakash Pinto, President of SVP Bondel; newly elected Vice President Mr John D’Silva; Secretary Mr Alwyn Saldanha; and the Guest of Honour, Mr Stany Bela, Director of the Konkani movie Bapache Putache Navim & Mr Bonaventure D’Souza

Bishop Ignatius D’Souza was warmly welcomed with a bouquet by Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza.

Mr Stany Bela was felicitated with a shawl and bouquet in recognition of his contributions to Konkani cinema. He also announced that the proceeds from the show at Khala Sangam on 12th April would be donated to support SVP’s Golden Jubilee initiatives.

On the occasion of the SVP Golden Jubilee, Mr Bonaventure D’Souza, who generously donated 15 cents of land for a housing project, was gratefully acknowledged. The Golden Jubilee Building Project appeal was officially inaugurated during the programme. Addressing the gathering, Mr Prakash Pinto, President of SVP Bondel, urged parishioners to generously support the project. Donation coupons for the same were inaugurated and will be available for sale soon.

Mr Ronald Lasrado gave a brief overview of the housing project. The event was enlivened with spot games, auctions, and housie-housie, while a YCS lucky coupon draw added extra excitement, with the winning numbers announced during the programme.

The programme was compered by Dr Preethi Keerthi D’Souza, Dr Roshan D’Souza, and Mr Manoj Lewis, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Mr Denis Neris D’Souza.

A large number of parishioners participated enthusiastically, making the event a grand success. The SVP members and well-wishers worked together wholeheartedly to ensure the smooth conduct of the programme.

Photography :Ronald D’Souza

Report Meena Serrao Barboza