BIS Correspondent
WADALA, MARCH 13, 2012: Three events in quick succession at Our Lady of Dolours Church, Wadala, provided enough entertainment and infotainment for the parishioners and the people of the neighbourhood.
To begin with, the three-day Dolour's Fun Fair from February 17 to 19, 2012, attracted big crowds from near and far, thanks to the popular competitions, eye-catching stalls (food, games, home décor, joy rides…and what have you!), live band performances and the presence of entertainment divas. The first two days of games and competitions drew a reasonable response from the children and youth of the neighbouring schools and colleges. The drawing, fancy dress and 'Best out of waste' contests brought forth the artistic and creative talents of our children. Rony Gomes, our own parishioner, entertained the crowd in a way that only he can, through some feet tapping and sentimental numbers. The presence of dainty stage stars, Perizad and Peenaz Masani, warmed the cockles of the hearts of their ardent and die-hard admirers. 
The personalities and the events on the third day of the fun fair provided a fitting finale to this colourful extravaganza. The face-painting contest and the dance competition pulled in a large number of entrants from the neighbouring schools and institutions – and yes, the chants of J B Vacha students rent the air! The live band of Orlando and Fabian from Pune provided the right notes to the carnival charged atmosphere. The star attraction of the day was the dapperly Boman Irani who whipped the crowd, especially the youngsters, into a frenzy with a rendition of the Hindi hit song 'Jine Do' and the English sentimental oldie 'My Way'. The star was mobbed on the dais by the children, and was left with no option but to exit the venue a la the Pied Piper!
Dedicated and committed teams of volunteers and event management, and the cultural cell of the parish, together with the parish team, were as keen as mustard to ensure a successful venture – and all for a cause! The proceeds of this event are to be utilized by the DCE (Dolour's Centre for Empowerment) for social work and the uplift of the marginalized.
The second event to catch the eye of the parishioners was the program on March 8 on Anger Management – all of us need it, don't we? Over hundred participants from our parish were the beneficiaries of this informative presentation by the resource person Ms. Genevieve and coordinated by the SCC core members of the parish.
The latest happening in the parish was the Women's Day celebration on Sunday, March 11. Over hundred women- young and old - of the parish gathered together to celebrate womanhood. An initiative of the DCE, this program had a lot of activities and games lined up for the attendees. An excellent presentation on flower arrangement (Western, Oriental, Indian) by our parishioner, Mrs. Sara De Sa, was well received by the participants. The ideas put forth at the presentation were reinforced through a power point presentation and a live display of exquisite arrangement of flowers. At the end of the presentation, many came forward to try their hand at this art – their foray into flower decorations is not a remote possibility! Thereafter it was games, dance…and more fun! Delicious lunch was served at the end of the program for all present.
Our thanks to the organizers and volunteers of these events who come forward generously, not minding their long days and short weekends, to contribute that extra bit to the parish. The weekends do appear longer and fruitful!