The scene shifted to the Main Hall, by now packed with eager parishioners to participate in the evening's events that began with the arrival of the Bishop and the priests who were welcomed with the singing of a hymn by the altar servers. In his welcome address, Parish Council member Vimal Fonseka underscored the 'dual purpose ceremony' of the evening organized for the incumbents' departure and greeting the new priest from Doha.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In her special welcome address to Rev Fr Tomasito, Aboline D'Cunha, Vice President of the Parish Council, pointed out the significance of the reception organized on the Feast day of St. Thomas.  She said: "Rev Fr Tomasito has accomplished several feats during his tenure in Doha including the establishment of a massive church and ample facilities for catechism children replacing the small parish centre."  She added: "We welcome you Father and you will get a glimpse of what St Mary's Parish can offer you from this evening's activities."

 

Bishop Hinder noted that "Both priests leave Dubai, one of the most well-organized parishes to be welcomed by the complexities of a fast growing Doha parish. But I am sure their experience will come handy and the vibrant Doha community will welcome them." The Bishop also praised the congregation for their support to the clergy and the generosity of their heart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maria Gomes, member of the Parish Council, in her address on Fr Zaki referred to the priest's characteristic remark: "Do not try to change me. Then I cannot be Fr Zaki."  Serving the Filipino community of Dubai as their spiritual director for the past five years, Fr Zaki was much admired for his physical prowess as much for his spiritual wellbeing. Of course, the Dubai community will miss his powerful musical exultations during the Easter Vigil.  A memento with special inscription was then presented to Fr Zaki.

Fr Zaki in his distinctive manner said: "Dubai has been part of my life. God has continuously provided me with challenges but he has also given me the courage and strength to overcome such challenges."  Thanking the priests, sisters and Bishop Paul Hinder, he said the Bishop has been a brother and a friend, and added: "I will always cherish Dubai as a special place that helped me in my spiritual transformation." He said that Doha would be a new chapter in his life, enriched by the knowledge he gained from Dubai.  For being fortunate to be with Fr Peter in Doha, he continued: "In my next chapter, I need to load new applications but the 'Operating System' will remain the same as I am going to be with Fr Peter." Pointing out "There are no goodbyes, only long 'see you later' in life", he concluded his address by playing a sentimental number on his guitar.

As an interlude the Come Alive Youth Group offered their musical Hail Mary in gratitude to the two departing priests. 

In her farewell address to Fr Peter, Leela D'Souza, Parish Council Secretary listed the numerical strength of St Mary's Parish in terms of various communities and prayer groups, volunteers, catechism children and catechists, choirs, altar servers and lay ministers. She pointed out that Fr Peter has stolen the hearts of all in Dubai with his inspiring homilies, his constant availability to the needs of the parishioners, continued support to all parish groups and specially by his generosity.  She emphasized that the church compound is a witness to the variety of facilities provided to the ever increasing Catholic population of the parish.  A memento together with a photo album of memories was then presented to Fr Peter.

Former Liturgical Coordinator Fred Ellis walked up to the stage despite his trying physical condition and thanked Fr Peter and Fr Zaki for their contributions.   In his distinctly classical humour Mr Ellis gently informed Fr Tomasito that the parish stands to benefit from the new priest, while he will also stand to "learn quite a few things from the parish". 

 

In his address to the parishioners, Fr Peter acknowledged their support saying, "A bird cannot be a bird unless it flies; a song cannot be a song unless it can be sung; a bell cannot be a bell unless it tolls; and so gratitude cannot be termed gratitude unless it is expressed."  He also offered his sincere gratitude to Bishop Paul Hinder, the Parish Council, Vice Provincial Rev Fr Varghese, Fred Ellis, Comboni sisters, team of priests in Dubai, the army of well-trained volunteers as well as the diverse communities and prayer groups for their magnanimity. He specially acknowledged the catechists' role in spiritually guiding the children of the parish, while calling the staff at St Mary's Church as 'miracle workers'.

He also dedicated his thanks to two 'special people', Bishop Gremoli and Rev Fr Daniel who always supported and steered him through his early years in Dubai and added he could never ever bid farewell to them.

 

In his address, Rev Fr Varghese said: "As the Vice Provincial, I am proud of what Fr Peter, Fr Zaki, Fr Tomasito and all other Capuchins have done to contribute to the spiritual well-being of the community in the vicariate." 

 

As a true representation of the rich diversity of St Mary's Parish, the Jim Reeves number "May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You" was sung in nine different languages jointly by members of all parish choirs led by Heather D'Souza.

A cake was cut to celebrate the 'double delight' of 4^th of July - ordination anniversary of Bishop Paul Hinder and birthday of Fr Peter.  In conclusion His Lordship offered the grace before meals, thus inviting the large gathering of parishioners to partake in the fellowship prepared by various communities.