National level

Sep. 15: The feast of Blessed Virgin Mary (Monti Fest) was celebrated on 11th September, 2011 by Kanara Cultural Association(KCA) in the Capital of India, New Delhi.

The celebration commenced with a procession at the Grotto of Sacred Heart Cathedral(SHC) and the children hoisted flowers to Mother Mary and expressed their gratitude and love, singing “Sakkad Sangatha Melya” and "Moriyek Hogolsiam". The New Rice Corn was blessed.

This was followed by a grand celebration of the Eucharist. Our old and new CBCI  Executive Secretary for Youth, Rev. Fr. Alwyn D’souza and Fr. Franklin D’souza were the main celebrants while Right Rev. Fr. Victor D’souza - Vicar General of Archdiocese of Delhi, Fr Wilfred D’souza - KCA Spiritual Director, Fr. Gudino and Fr. Anil Walder were the co-celebrants.

Fr Victor in his homily stressed upon the need for realizing and reviving our Catholic faith and values. He mentioned that by building Grottos for Mother Mary we also need to recognize the Invaluable service of Our Lady and live them in our daily life. To make the mass more meaningful, the choir with their serening music, led by Ms. Babita, invoked the presence of Monthi Mai amidst us.  More than 250 people participated in the service. After the mass, Muddhom was distributed by Fr. Franklin D’souza.

There was a special felicitation held for Fr. Franklin and Fr. Alwyn. Mr. Austrin Alick – KCA Youth Secretary highlighted some eminent qualities and constructive work accomplished by Fr. Alwyn and acknowledged his valuable support for KCA. As a token of appreciation and thanks, Mr. Vincent Menezes – KCA President, felicitated him.

Fr. Franklin D’souza the new Executive Secretary for Youth was welcomed and he shared his thoughts towards enhancing the Kanara Culture. Fr. Wilfred felicitated him with flowers.

Sweet coconut juice with Novem was served. Our evergreen KCA members, Mr. Jerald Almeida and Tony Mathias provided us with a sumptuous breakfast. Everywhere a typical Mangalorean atmosphere could be felt.

Later during the day, the Annual General Meeting was held.

The KCA President shared his experience during his 2 year tenure. Mrs. Irene D’souza - KCA Secretary read out the report where she listed out the activities undertaken throughout the year in detail. The Best Institution /Association award for Services and retaining the Konkani culture organized by Mand Sobhann was awarded to KCA Delhi by the Honorable President of India Smt.Pratibha Patil. As the memento/award was shown to the gathering, everyone present acknowledged and applauded with great honour and pride.

Dr. Edward Mathias - KCA treasurer presented the income expenditure statement/balance sheet for the year 2010-11 and very beautifully explained the expenses detail. Before conducting the new election a Committee of five members was exclusively formed for organizing a felicitation program in Dec 2011 for our three Mangalorean priests viz. His Grace Archbishop Vincent Concessao, Archbishop of Delhi, Right Rev. Fr. Victor D’souza - Vicar General of Archdiocese of Delhi and Rev. Fr Paul Serrao all completing Fifty years of priesthood in December this year.

Also another committee was created to bring out New Directories and Websites. The Election for new committee was conducted by Fr. Wilfred D’souza. Our current KCA President Mr. Vincent D’souza was unanimously selected to take over his role again. Smt. Helen Lobo was elected as the KCA secretary. Other details of elected members are given below.

President – Mr. Vincent Menezes
Vice – President – Tony Mathias and Mildred Pinto
Secretary – Helen Lobo
Joint Secretary – Veronica Alick
Treasurer – Edward Mathias
Spiritual Director – Fr. Chetan Machado
Cultural Secretary – Ronald Pinto
Youth Secretary – Austrin Alick and Rosemary Lobo
And other area representatives were elected.

Thereafter a Tambola and a Hamper draw was held by our new spiritual director Fr. Chetan and Tony Mathias.  This was followed by lunch in complete Mangy style, Pork, Channa, Vorn, seeth daal and paysam. It was a real wonderful experience of living the Mangalorean culture together.

Veronica Alick
Cultural Secretary
KCA