Media Release

Hyderabad, Dec 19: Kanara Catholic Welfare Association (KCWA), Hyderabad, celebrated their silver jubilee of formation, on December 10 in Hyderabad. It was a day-long event, starting as always, with Holy Mass. The Mass was concelebrated by Fr Alwin Mascarenhas and Fr Lancelot Menezes at St Mary’s Chapel, Mornington Road, in the Cantonment. The chapel was full of members and their families, while the choir sang hymns in Konkani.

After the Mass, everyone moved to the celebratory venue, in the adjacent seminary compound. The venue was aesthetically arranged for the occasion. Lovita Pereira and Loydon Mendonca compered the event and conducted the whole celebration in a jovial and vibrant style. The event started with a welcome dance by two little girls Michelle D’Souza and Rochelle Kallam. KCWA president Alwyn Menezes welcomed the gathering and thereafter the silver jubilee cake was cut by the president and two past presidents, Benjamin Monteiro and Bernard Mascarenhas.

A souvenir commemorating 25 years of KCWA was released by Trevor D’Cunha, Fr Alwin Mascarenhas, Fr Lancelot Menezes and Alwyn Menezes. A collector’s item for all members.

Anju D’Silva, with the support of Richard D’Silva and their son Aaron, presented a wonderful audio visual show, wherein the past 25 years were relived. The deceased members of KCWA were remembered and a prayer was said for their departed souls. Some members who live outside Hyderabad recorded video messages of congratulations and these video messages were played.

A new website of KCWA www.kcwa.in created after years of hard work by Lawrence Monteiro and Richard Mendonce was launched by Fr Alwin.

Thereafter, it was fun time for all. The comperes Lovita and Loydon conducted interesting games for all. The participation was very encouraging. Games for children of different ages were conducted. Elders too were made to dance to the tunes of the DJ.

There was singing and dancing. The traditional baila was sung with participation of all present. Traditional Konkani songs were sung and many accompanied, dancing joyfully. The baila singing was led by member Florence Mascarenhas.

Lunch was served for all present with Mangalurean menu and the inevitable pork dish, which is an essential part of a Mangalurean celebration. Pork was lovingly cooked by some members of the KCWA. During lunch, member Richard D’Silva and his band regaled the gathering with singing in different languages. The children’s band performed thereafter.

The young seminarians were invited to join the celebrations. They joined enthusiastically and participated in all the activities. Some of them won prizes in some games. They made friends among the association members. There was lucky dip draw with many useful prizes.

The priests, who joined the celebrations and have always been spiritual guides for the association were felicitated. The elders of the association, who were the pillars and support of KCWA in the past 25 years were felicitated with a potted plants.

The celebrations concluded with a vote of thanks presented by KCWA general secretary Stany Mendonca.