Fr. Joe sings for us at his birthday party... a video clip
Fr. Joe speaking at the release of his song CD "I Thank my God"
A video clip.
Fr. Joe's birthday celebration at Vasai on 8th September 2013
Fr . Joe's Vadh- Diwas ( Birthday)
Keeping in line with the on-going tradition that has been been going on for more than a decade, Fr. Joe began the celebration of his" Gift of life" by offering a Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration at the on-going Novena's at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra, Mumbai, India.
Immediately after the service Fr. Joe was greeted at his Helpline office in the same building by his nun Sister Theresa,relatives,staff and well-wishers. The choir led by Mr. Francis Fernandes ( Fr. Joe's secretary at the helpline office) sang the birthday song after which Fr. Joe cut his 71st cake and shared it with his sister Theresa, Mrs. Joy Pereira, Mrs. Ruby Gonsalves, Mrs Heather Pereira ( sis-in-law) and many among the gathering. From there Fr. Joe proceeded his residence and rehab at Mount Carmel's Church.
Throughout the day the telephone lines were buzzing with calls of greeting from all over the world. Fr. Joe took time off and spent some quality time with the patients in treatment. He said to them " Being with you all on my birthday, is the most important celebration for me."
In the evening a grand reception was held jointly planned by Kripa and the yoga group of Bandra.. Many guest, friends of Fr. Joe , the parish fathers team, staff and patients numbering around 250 attended the function.
The program was compered by our National Program Director Bosco D'Souza who kept the gathering happy with songs from various singers and dancing.to the music of Aloo Sounds. It was indeed a great sight to see Fr. Joe dance for a while with the guest and patients of Kripa.
On this auspicious day, Fr. Joe's new song album " I Thank My God' was released at the hands of Mr and Geoffrey & Mrs Sharon Nagpal . This Cd contains 10 songs song by Fr. Joe from over the past years.Limited addition is available at the Bandra Kripa office.
The Grace before meals was said by the Parish team of Fathers along with Mr. Conrad and Mrs. Mercy Saldanha.
The guest were treated to sumptuous dinner topped with desserts prepared by the in-house chefs from Kripa, .helped by Ruby, Charmaine, Chandu, Greta and Sohil. The staff of Kripa Bandra and Vasai playing perfect host, with timely support of Brett, Sanjay and Mervyn.
As the function ended one could see the content on the faces of our guest as they left, taking back fond memories of a party well enjoyed- HAPPY BIRTHDAY FR. JOE.
In continuity of his birthday celebration Kripa Vasai hosted a lunch party for Fr. Joe's immediate family members and relatives, VRACS advisory board members, patients of Kripa Vasai and Vasai Region AIDS Control Society
After the VRACS board meeting the program commenced with a bhajjan prayer led by Fr. Seraphinus Ekka and some patients of Kripa Vasai, It was a pleasure to watch Fr. Joe cut the birthday cake along with his twin Grand nephews Davin and David . This cake was specially baked by his brother-in-law and sister Wilfred and Francisca Pereira. Other family members present for the celebration were Mr. and Mrs Anthony and Heather Pereira along with their children and Grand children, nun sister Theresa and Carol Pereira with her two children.
The VRACS Advisory board greeted Fr. Joe with flowers and a purse on his birthday. In his address to the gathering Fr. Joe shared the fond memories of his Mother and family in this place which they had gifted for Gods work.
The program ended with the guest being treated to a well spread lunch buffet reared by Lester and Sterling the master chefs of Kripa Vasai under the guidance of Bosco. Mrs. Jean Pereira along with the staff of Kripa Vasai played perfect host to the guest on the occasion.
Submitted by
Mervyn Roccha
Photographs
Francis Fernandes
Shravan
Mozen H
Video
Stephen D'Souza
Collages and report
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