Sharjah: St Michael’s Mangalorean Konkani Community (SMMKC) marked a spiritually uplifting milestone with the prayerful inauguration of its new Core Committee at St Michael’s Church. The ceremony was held immediately after the Konkani Eucharistic Celebration, drawing together the Konkani-speaking faithful in a spirit of unity, gratitude and renewed commitment.
The occasion symbolised both continuity and fresh beginnings as the community entrusted its leadership to a new team set to serve for the next two years.
Prayerful transition under spiritual guidance
The inauguration took place under the guidance of Spiritual Director Fr Edwin Monis, who continues to shepherd the community with pastoral care and encouragement. The ceremony followed the Eucharistic celebration, reinforcing the community’s deep-rooted commitment to faith and fellowship.
The newly formed Core Committee comprises 12 dedicated members:
- Anil Pinto – Coordinator & Altar Servers Coordinator
- Anitha D’Souza – Assistant Coordinator & Assistant Liturgy Coordinator
- Ashika Monteiro – Secretary & Media Coordinator
- Novel Rosario – Treasurer & Assistant Volunteers Coordinator
- Shaila Gras – Liturgy Coordinator
- Anil D’Souza – Choir Coordinator
- Vivian Fernandes – Cultural Coordinator
- Alwyn Almeida – Volunteers Coordinator
- William Praveen D’Souza – Outreach Coordinator & Assistant Treasurer
- Donita Fernandes – Assistant Choir Coordinator
- Sumitha Lobo – Assistant Altar Servers Coordinator & Assistant Media Coordinator
- Maria Rebello – Assistant Secretary & Assistant Cultural Coordinator
The team brings together diverse talents and experience, united by a shared commitment to preserving Mangalorean Konkani traditions and strengthening community bonds.
Honouring outgoing leaders
The ceremony also served as a heartfelt moment of gratitude as SMMKC honoured seven outgoing committee members for their years of selfless service: Alwyn Coutinho, Deepak Lobo, Donald Noronha, Dinesh Gras, Renita D’Souza, Rita Concesso and Sheila D’Souza.
Each outgoing member was presented with a commemorative plaque as a token of appreciation for their unwavering dedication. Their contributions have significantly shaped the growth and vibrancy of the community.
A renewed journey of faith and culture
With renewed enthusiasm and spiritual grounding, the new Core Committee steps forward to lead the community through the coming years. Guided by Fr Edwin Monis, the team has pledged to nurture faith formation, cultural celebrations and outreach initiatives that strengthen bonds among families.
The inauguration reflected not merely an administrative transition but a collective reaffirmation of shared identity. Rooted in faith and enriched by Mangalorean Konkani heritage, SMMKC Sharjah continues its journey as a closely bonded and faith-filled community in the United Arab Emirates.
