MARGAO: In a novel and heartwarming initiative, the Goes Sports and Cultural Club in Benaulim organised a grand felicitation ceremony to honour the dedicated service of the village’s priests and nuns. The event, held at St John the Baptist Ground, Dando recently, saw a large turnout to celebrate the spiritual leaders of the community.
Founded in 2021 by Jorge Goes, the club has been actively engaged in supporting the lower sections of society, extending assistance to orphanages, old age homes, and organizing various sports and cultural activities within the village.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
This year, the club decided to extend its appreciation to the priests and nuns of Benaulim, acknowledging their exceptional contributions to humanity.
The ceremony witnessed the participation of around 20 priests and 11 nuns. Unfortunately, due to prior engagements and overseas postings, six priests and eight nuns from Benaulim could not attend. The village is home to a total of 26 priests and 18 nuns, born and raised in Benaulim, according to the Club.
While most of the honoured guests came in from across Goa, several of them travelled from distant postings in Rajasthan, Telangana, Udupi and Karwar, among others. Key highlights of the event included the recognition of Fr Manuel Gomes, who translated the English Bible into Konkani in Roman script, earning him an Art and Culture Award for Konkani literature. Fr Nicholas Dias was also acknowledged for receiving a medal from US President Joe Biden for offering a private Mass at the G20 Summit in New Delhi last year. He received the Confederation of NRI Excellence Award.
Adding a musical touch to the evening were songs composed by the late Caetano Inacio Goes, with musical performances, comedy and tiatr shows creating a memorable and joyful atmosphere. Dr Rev Fr Aleixo Menezes was the Chief Guest, while Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas and Rev Fr Lucio Dias were the guests of honour.
