News : Shiney Maria Lewis, Pics : Malcolm Dsouza
BENGALURU — Members of the St. Peter Association, Bangalore (Barkur), gathered on Sunday to mark their community's Titular Feast, continuing a tradition that unites Barkurians living far from their coastal hometown in Karnataka.
While Barkur itself observes the grand Titular Feast on June 29, communities of Barkur origin settled in Mumbai, Bengaluru, the UAE and the United States traditionally hold their own celebrations on the following Sunday — this year falling on July 5 — as a way of honouring their patron saint while staying connected to their shared heritage.
Solemn Mass Opens the Day
The celebrations began with a Solemn Holy Eucharist at 11 a.m. at St. Jude Church, R.T. Nagar, led by main celebrant Fr. Jason Furtado, SJ, alongside co-celebrant Fr. Santa Lopez. Music for the Mass was provided by the D'Souza Family of Devanahalli, whose choir added warmth to the occasion.
In his homily, Fr. Jason Furtado reflected on fond memories of Barkur and drew on the life of St. Peter to urge the congregation toward humility, steadfast faith and service. Parish announcements and the vote of thanks were handled by Mrs. Shiney Lewis.
A Festive Gathering at Amber Palace
Following Mass, the community moved to Amber Palace for the Annual Gathering and Felicitation Programme, compered by Ms. Vanessa D'Mello. A welcome song performed by Marina, Cianna and Michelle Furtado set an upbeat tone for the afternoon.
The event's chief guests were two accomplished members of the community: Dr. Sunil Furtado, Chief Neurosurgeon at Manipal Hospital, Yelahanka, and Dr. Shireen Furtado, Senior Consultant in Dermatology at Aster CMI Hospital. They were joined on stage by the Association's office bearers, including president Mr. Augustine D'Lima, vice president Mr. Peter Pinto, general secretary Mrs. Monica Pinto and joint secretary Mrs. Marina Furtado, alongside Fr. Jason Furtado and Fr. Santa Lopez.
A ceremonial lamp-lighting — symbolizing wisdom, hope and blessing — followed the felicitation of the dignitaries, after which Mr. D'Lima delivered the welcome address, thanking members and guests for their attendance.
Introduced by Mr. James Sequeira, Dr. Sunil Furtado addressed the gathering on the importance of healthy eating, an active lifestyle and preventive healthcare, touching on advances in modern medicine and encouraging attendees to prioritize both physical and mental wellbeing. Fr. Santa Lopez followed with a message centered on faith, unity and service, calling on members to build upon the vision laid down by Fr. Alfred Roche for the welfare of the Barkur community.
Recognizing Academic Achievement and a Golden Anniversary
A highlight of the afternoon was the felicitation of students for academic excellence. Among the 10th standard achievers honoured were Ishitha Rosetta Paul, who scored 89.6%, and Thamara Rose Furtado, daughter of Dr. Shireen and Dr. Sunil Furtado, who scored 97%. In the II PUC category, Venissa D'Souza was recognized for scoring 96.83%, and Alroy Chris D'Souza for scoring 90.83%.
The Association also celebrated Mr. Godfrey D'Souza and Mrs. Jane D'Souza, who marked 50 years of marriage, with the community wishing the couple continued health and happiness.
New Leadership Elected at AGM
The day's proceedings concluded with the Annual General Meeting, conducted by Mr. Peter Pinto and Mr. Augustine D'Lima. Members reviewed the minutes of the 2025 AGM (presented by Mrs. Marina Furtado), heard the General Secretary's report from Mrs. Monica Pinto, and reviewed the Statement of Accounts presented by Mr. Peter Pinto.
With the outgoing Executive Committee formally dissolved, returning officer Mr. Donald Lewis oversaw elections for the 2026–2028 term. The newly elected office bearers are:
- President: Mr. Augustine D'Lima
- Vice President: Mr. Peter Pinto
- General Secretary: Mrs. Monica Pinto
- Joint Secretary: Mrs. Marina Furtado
- Treasurer: Mr. Deepak D'Lima
- Immediate Past President: Mr. Felix Menezes
Elected committee members include Mr. Alwyn Pinto, Mr. Adrian Sequeira, Mrs. Savitha Furtado, Mrs. Shiney Maria Lewis, Mr. Antony D'Souza, Mr. Alphonse Chethan D'Silva, Mr. Gladson D'Souza and Mr. Nitinchand Sequeira, while selected committee members include Mr. James Sequeira, Mrs. Janet Rego, Mr. Gilbert D'Souza, Mrs. Leera Menezes, Mr. Arthur Fernandes, Mr. Melwin Pinto and Mr. Jolvin Furtado. Mr. Karamchand Sequeira was named Internal Auditor.
A Day of Fellowship
The celebrations closed with a shared lunch, giving families a chance to reconnect, with over 140 people participating in the day's festivities. Organizers described the turnout as strong, calling it a memorable day of faith, recognition and community unity for Bengaluru's Barkurian diaspora. Organizers described the turnout as strong, calling it a memorable day of faith, recognition and community unity for Bengaluru's Barkurian diaspora.
