Members from across world commemorate the Golden Jubilee at Pilar
Members of the Pereira Family clan whose roots trace back to Quitula, Aldona.
MAPUSA
Imagine being part of a three-day picnic with 134 people, spanning generations from across the world and, engaging in a variety of activities: playing games, sharing meals, celebrating the Eucharist, reminiscing about cherished memories, and exchanging life stories and lessons.
Now, envision the remarkable tradition of gathering annually to connect with each other, for half a century! This extraordinary experience defines the Pereira Family Picnic (PFP) – a family whose roots trace back to Quitula, Aldona—founded on the belief that “Love isn’t love until you give it away.”
THE GOLDEN JUBILEE
The Pereira Family Picnic (PFP) reached its historic milestone, commemorating its Golden Jubilee from December 27 to 29, 2024. This 50th Anniversary celebration took place at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre in Goa, drawing members of the Pereira Clan from across the globe, such as USA, Australia, Europe and different parts of India.
Meticulous planning for the event began nearly a year in advance, with committees established to oversee key elements such as the launch of a historical book, the Eucharistic celebrations, entertainment, menus, mementos, and prizes, culminating in a grand Jubilee celebration complete with crafted cakes and a symbolic centerpiece.
The oldest living representatives from each of the eight original family clans adorned a Chickoo sapling with their Pereira clan’s name, symbolizing shared roots.
On December 27, the event began with a poignant opening ceremony. The oldest living representatives from each of the eight original family clans adorned a Chickoo sapling with their Pereira clan’s name, symbolizing shared roots. This sapling was destined to be planted at the family's ancestral home in Quitula’s Pereira Vaddo.
The festivities then commenced with attendees divided into four teams for a spirited kickoff game involving creation of unique team names, team jingles, and golden jubilee mascots.
A special Holy Mass, celebrated by Rev. Fr Ivo Coelho, General Councillor of Formation, Salesians of Don Bosco, was followed by the launch of "PFP Golden Gleams", a meticulously crafted family book chronicling the early years of the eight Pereira siblings, their families in Aldona, their migration to Mumbai and beyond, and the evolution of the Pereira Family Picnic tradition.
Featuring a foreword by His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the 156-page book carried the tagline “Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future, Celebrating the Present”- which also contained the acronym PFP. It includes a five-generation family tree across 8 clans, with updated photos, historical memoirs, and even a family calendar of birthdays and anniversaries of all living members. This comprehensive tome represents the fruition of a project initiated 25 years ago.
A spectacular drone photograph captured the entire group dressed in tailor-made T-shirts featuring a specially curated logo. Standing in formation, they created the number “50” followed by a grand march, a toast by the eldest family member, and lively dancing and karaoke sessions.
The one common gene threaded through the family is friendly rivalry! The PFP included team and individual one-minute games, quizzes, and a treasure hunt. The Eucharist on the second day ended with a touching presentation of pictures of deceased family members while “Take Your Candle, Go Light the World” played in the background.
Family members paid heartfelt tributes to their loved ones, many of whom were instrumental in the picnic's inception and its continuity during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when the picnic was held online.
After the Mass, an award ceremony was held to distribute mementos, the family book, and prizes for games conducted over the two days. The 200+ gifts were meticulously wrapped by the teenagers of the clans the night before. As a fitting end to the picnic, the family travelled to Old Goa on the morning of December 29 to venerate the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier.
NURTURING UNITY
The annual event was envisioned to bring together geographically dispersed family members, nurturing bonds and fostering a spirit of love, care, and brotherhood. This spirit, along with the sustained efforts of many over half a century, has kept the family united, growing stronger and closer.
The enduring success of the PFP lies in the genuine care and connection nurtured among the family members through this cherished tradition. The dedication of younger generations in the meticulous planning of this golden jubilee event exemplifies their commitment to preserving this unique and cherished legacy. As the editorial of the Family Book concluded – this unique Pereira Family looks forward to – many more future “Jubilees of Togetherness.”
[The writer is a member of the Pereira Family clan.]
