The Association of Senior Citizens of Taleigao (ASCT) was inducted on October 2, 2018 to address
the needs of the senior members of St Michael’s Church, Taleigao. Within a
year, the organisation has 253 members, amongst which, 65 have been accorded
lifetime tenure. Fr Cipriano da Silva, the Parish Priest of St Michael’s
Church, Taleigao is the pioneer of this initiative to bring the senior citizens
of the village together into an association. The association is led by a Managing
Committee that convenes on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. The Association was
inaugurated with Eurico Noronha as its first President. Its present Managing
Committee is headed by Celso Fernandes.
In just a year of its existence, the
Association has packed a whole lot of activities for its members. Under the
leadership of Eurico, the association engaged members in various activities
such as a trip to Pilar monastery, Old Goa novena, Christmas party at Clube
Vasco da Gama, an evening at Cruz dos Milagres Retreat Centre, tiatr, St Joseph
Vaz novena, picnic at Utorda and Valentines Nite held on February 14, 2019,
which was a mega event attended by members, family and friends.
President Celso Fernandes says, “The
Association of Senior Citizens of Taleigao gives new life to our members. They
feel wanted and believe they can contribute to the society. They look forward
to participating in various activities and outings. I feel the association and
the get-togethers have created a strong bond among all of us.”
Vice President Athos Fernandes says,
“Every month, the association holds its general meeting, which is well
attended. At each of these meetings, members whose birthdays fall in that month
are remembered with the cutting of the cake and singing of the birthday song.
The current members are happy and we have more people wanting to join the
Association. Many of them have opted for Life Membership.”
Vice President Dr Elmira Braganza opines
that Fr Cipriano has been the driving force behind all activities of the
association, backed by an efficiently enthusiastic committee and eager members.
The Association in its first year organised a host of events in a very
successful manner with good participation of its members.
Mavis Viegas, Secretary, finds the Association has brought
immense joy to the lives of its members, giving them an opportunity to spend
time with people of their age group, to speak their hearts out and share their
thoughts, worries and happiness. In the activities organised, the members
participate in games, singing and dancing that not only allow them a mental and
physical workout but also help them bond socially with each other. It is quite
evident that while the flesh ages, the spirit remains young, keeping life worth
living.
The
Association celebrates its first anniversary today, October 2, 2019, with a
thanksgiving mass and a dinner get-together; two weeks later they will take a
boat cruise on the Mandovi River.
