Media Release
Syndney, Sep 21: A large number of Mangalorean Catholic Association of Sydney (MCAS) members, friends and well wishers attended the Nativity feast celebrations on September 10 at the Thornleigh Community Centre, Thornleigh. This occasion also happened to be the 10th anniversary of the association.
The guests of honour included David Clarke, MLC, representing the premier of NSW, Gladys Berejiklian MP, Kevin Conolly, MP representing the minister for multicultural affairs, Ray Williams MP, S K Verma, consul from the Indian Consulate, Sydney representing consul general B Vanlalvawna, Dr Olivia, ex-provincial, leader of womens education in Mangaluru, and Fr Prakash Coutinha of North Cote parish.
The Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr Prakash Coutinha. The Mass was accompanied by a lovely choir. In his homily, Fr Prakash stressed the significance of the Monti Fest in the Mangalurean community not only in Mangaluru, but in different parts of the world. He also emphasied on the importance of girl child.
Scores of children showered flowers on the statue of Mother Mary which was very well decorated with flowers amidst the singing of ‘Sakkad Sangatha Melyaam’.
The official function commenced with a welcome speech by MCAS president Hubert Castelino. He said that MCAS had worked hard to reach the curent milestone of 10 years, and that it had achieved a lot during this short time. Hubert then introduced Stanley D’Cruz, who was then appointed as the first trustee of MCAS, for his valuable contribution for the past ten years.
All the guests of honour were introduced by Stanley to the audience. They all spoke about the role played by MCAS in the multicultural growth of NSW, and indicated their support for MCAS.
A Mangalurean folk dance was performed by Olma Rego, Melisa Gojer, Anita Williams, Allan D'Souza, Sonali Cornelio and Adeep Rego. This was followed by a hilarious Konkani skit performed by Richie Rebello and Glen Rego which made the audience laugh to their full.
David Clarke, Kevin Conolly along with Hubert Castelino and Stanley D’Cruz released the MCAS 10th Anniversary Souvenir. All guests of honour were also presented with a symbolic gift, a mini clay tile from Mangaluru.
Attendees were treated to a superb Mangalurean cusine cooked by MCAS members, consisting of ‘bafath’ pork, chicken curry, ‘sanna’s, beens, salad, chanaas, rice, ‘vorn’. The mouth watering food was well appreciated by all the attendees.
MCAS general secretary Dolphie Mascharenhas proposed the vote of thanks for all the contributions for the event.
The MCAS 10th anniversary cake was cut on the occasion. Flowers were presented to Marisa Clarke, Beryl D’Cruz and Gem Castelino.
Konkani and baila music followed and the attendees hit the dancing floor. There was quite some fellowship as a few visiting parents from Mangaluru attended the event. Many raffle prizes were drawn and presented to the winners.
MCAS sincerely thanks members, attendees, well wishers, friends and guests of honour for making this event a great success on its 10th anniversary, and looks forward for further progress of MCAS.
MCAS thanks Onita Saldanah for mass arrangements, Neil Maschrenhas, Gerry Menezes and volunteers for the choir, Richie Rebello and Glen Rego for the Konkani skit, Melissa Gojer and volunteers for the folk dance, Ranjit Furtado for the PP presentation, MCAS members and volunteers for food and entrees, Michael Fernandes, Dolphie Mascahrenhas, Glen Rego and volunteers for all food logistics and presentation, Savio Monis for music and accoustics, Kate Titterton for photographic memories, Cyril D’Silva for Souvenir layout, Sunitha Menezes and Swati D’Souza for their compering and all tirelessly worked for the success of the Nativity Feast and the 10th anniversary of MCAS.