News : P. Archibald Furtado, Pics : John Gonsalves, Rons Bantwall and others.
St. Peter's Association (Barkur), Mumbai (Regd.)
Celebration of the Titular Feast of Patron St. Peter by Barkurians in Mumbai, as Mr Eric L Carvalho took charge as new President to lead from the front…..
Sunday, 6th July 2025 | St Vincent De Pallotti Church Hall, Andheri East, Mumbai
A Celebration of Faith, Fellowship, and Community Legacy:
In a spirit of thanksgiving, unity, and renewed commitment to service, St. Peter’s Association (Barkur), Mumbai, came together on Sunday, 6th July 2025 to celebrate the Titular Feast of their Patron, St. Peter, at the St Vincent De Pallotti Church Hall, Vijay Nagar, Andheri East. The event was a heart-warming reunion of Barkurians and their well-wishers from across Mumbai and beyond.
Solemn Eucharistic Celebration:
The day commenced with a solemn Holy Mass at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Rev. Fr. Juvance Serrao, Redemption Priest from Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, Chembur. His meaningful homily and the melodious choir created a spiritually uplifting atmosphere that set the tone for the day.
Tracing a Journey of Service since 1988:
Founded on 17th April 1988, at Victoria Hall, Mahim, SPA Mumbai has evolved over 37 years into one of the most active and respected Mangalorean associations in the city. With its hallmark initiatives in social service, cultural promotion, and educational support, the association continues to be a beacon of hope and pride for the Barkurian community.
Post-Mass Stage Programme: Faith in Action:
The post-liturgy stage programme was ably compeered by Mr. Kiran Carvalho, who brought grace and smooth transitions throughout the proceedings.
The event opened with a Novena prayer to St. Peter, led by Mr. Ivan Suaris along with 3–4 members, followed by a devotional Konkani hymn, “Bhaktha Pathron San Pedru”, invoking blessings of the Patron Saint.
Dignitaries and office-bearers, including Fr. Juvance Serrao, past and present leaders of the Association, were welcomed on stage. The lighting of the ceremonial lamp symbolised the Association’s commitment to unity, faith, and service.
Words of Welcome and Annual Reflection:
Outgoing President Mr. Boniface (Bony) Sequeira extended a brief and warm welcome address, while Hon. Secretary Mr. Arthur Mendonca presented a concise review of the past year’s achievements, underscoring the Association’s dynamic presence.
Celebrating Academic Excellence & Remembering Generous Benefactors
Treasurer Mr. Vincent Furtado led the educational awards segment. The Association gratefully acknowledged the families of the following benevolent donors, whose contributions have supported the academic dreams of deserving students:
In memory of Late Simplen Sequeira – Mrs. Gladys Sequeira
In memory of founder President of SPCYA late Lawrence A Sequeira - Mr. Archibald Furtado & Family, Barkur.
In memory of Late Henry Roche Former President – Mrs. Ida Roche & from the endowment sponsored by Mr. Anthony Gonsalves & Family
In memory of Late Norbert Menezes – Mrs. Hilda Menezes & Family
In memory of Late Wilma Sequeira – Mr. Boniface Sequeira & Family
President Mr. Sequeira and other dignitaries on the dais gracefully honoured the student beneficiaries with certificates and tokens of encouragement.
Special Felicitations – A Moment of Community Pride
1. Mrs. Shirley Gonsalves, wife of Anthony Gonsalves, and proud daughter of Mr. Felix & Mrs. Benny Barnes (Mulund) and wife of Mr. Gonsalves, was felicitated for her outstanding recognition as:
Best Treasurer among 66 Lions Clubs (Club Level)
Best Treasurer at the Multiple Level across 250+ Clubs in 4 Districts
Winner of the prestigious Rotating Trophy 2025–26, awarded by International 3rd Vice President Lion Shah of Nairobi on 21st June 2025
(Felicitated by Mr. Wilfred Sequeira & Ms. Lizzie Noronha)
2. Angelina Vivek Sequeira, granddaughter of Mr. Frank Sequeira (Barkur) and daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Vivek Sequeira, was recognised for winning the Bronze Medal in the Special Olympics South Asia 7-A-side Unified Football Competition held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in April 2024.
(Honoured by Mr. John Gonsalves & Mrs. Benny Barnes)
A Salute to Visionary Leaders – Honouring Outgoing Presidents:
A deeply emotional and proud moment came with the felicitation of two towering personalities who led the Association with distinction:
Mr. Ivan M Rebello – Founding member, since SPCYA days in 1985, former Secretary, and President, remembered for steering innovative cultural programmes during the COVID-19 lockdown, ensuring continuity and engagement during challenging times.
(Honoured with memento and shawl by Mr. Richard Carvalho & Mrs. Mable D’Souza)
Mr. Boniface Sequeira – Serving two successful terms as President, instrumental in organising events like the Konkani film screening in Thane and the acclaimed “Kantar Fiesta” online musical event.
(Honoured by Mr. Anthony Gonsalves & Mrs. Ida Roche)
Both leaders responded with short but inspiring messages, reminiscing their journey and urging the youth to take the legacy forward.
Welcoming the New Leadership: A Fresh Chapter:
With a spirit of optimism, the newly elected Executive Committee for 2025–2028 was introduced.
Mr. Eric Carvalho, a founding member with over three decades of exemplary service, took charge as President, having served the Association in almost every leadership role. His deep understanding and long association with previous Presidents make him uniquely equipped to steer SPA into the future.
(Introduced and honoured with shawl and bouquet by Mr. Felix Barnes & Mr. Ivan Suaris)
In his first address, President Mr. Carvalho outlined his vision of continuity and innovation, urging unity and participation across generations.
New Team Members:
Vice Presidents: Mr. Wilfred Sequeira & Mr. John Gonsalves
Secretary: Mr. Arthur Mendonca
Treasurer: Mr. Vincent Furtado
Joint Secretary: Mr. Joseph D’Almeida
Coordinator: Mr. Norman Thimothy D’Souza
Internal Auditor: Mr. Michael D’Almeida
Words of Wisdom from the Guest of Honour
Rev. Fr. Juvance Serrao, in his thoughtful message, appreciated the Association’s spiritual roots and commitment to service, calling it a model of laity leadership and unity in a fast-paced world.
Gratitude and Celebration:
Mr. Wilfred Sequeira delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, recognising the tireless efforts of organisers, volunteers, donors, and all well-wishers.
The programme then shifted into a lively entertainment and games session, followed by the traditional ‘Lawdathe’ hymn and a sumptuous fellowship lunch, where laughter, camaraderie, and nostalgia filled the hall.
In Conclusion:
The St. Peter’s Feast 2025 was more than a celebration — it was a living testimony of faith, legacy, and collective identity. The St. Peter’s Association (Barkur), Mumbai, once again affirmed that when a community stands united in purpose, it continues to create milestones that inspire generations to come. Today SPA not confined only to Mumbai and its sub-urbs, it has extended its arms far and near from USA, Europe, Arabian Gulf and to the veterans settled in home town Barkur and around. Technology and communication brought all of them virtually together by recalling the smell of Barkurian soil and the blessings of St Peter the Patron.
