Gerry D’Mello

Daijiworld Media Network, Toronto

Toronto, Dec 29: Vijay Dante, one of the highly acclaimed Mangalorean leaders in Canada, has been unanimously elected as the president of ‘The Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC)’ during its Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) held on Sunday, 5th November 2023 at Meadowvale Community Centre, 6655 Glen Erin Dr, Mississauga, Canada.

MAC’s former vice-president Everest Vijay Dante popularly known as Vijay Dante, a philanthropist is a well-focussed, dedicated, and family-oriented business professional. He is the proud son of the late ‘Sri Danti’ (Francis Dante from Udupi, Karnataka, India), a renowned Writer, Poet, and religious leader who was also one of the founders of Catholic Sabha, Mangaluru). Vijay is a well-educated post-graduate who completed MSc, in Medical Microbiology from Manipal University, Karnataka, India. He worked in Abu Dhabi, UAE for a decade and moved to Canada in 1995. A ‘Hands-On’ person coming from a humble background as an immigrant to Canada almost twenty-five years ago, Vijay has faced many struggles and challenges which has helped to build him up as an upright, honest, and hardworking Canadian. He is the owner of ‘Udupi Madras Café’ (UMC) one of the prestigious business houses in Greater Toronto. The UMC has won the prestigious “2021 Mississauga News Readers’ Choice Award” for the successive second time in a row! Serving the International Community in Mississauga, Canada for 15 years, UMC specializes in fresh, wholesome, and nutritious South Indian vegetarian food.

In addition, MAC is fortunate to have yet another dynamic leader Janet D’Souza as the vice-president who is a native of Mangalore. Janet D’Souza was born into an army family to the late Major John Baptist D’Souza and the late Apoline D’Souza. She is a gold medallist and graduated with the highest average as a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Mysore. Marriage led her to Saudi Arabia where she taught English Literature and Grammar at the American Academy schools. Throughout her schooling years and as a teacher, Janet was actively involved in debate, elocution and drama clubs, church activities, and volunteer work. She is passionate about traveling, baking, and volunteering within the community

The MAC AGM started at 3.30 pm with a prayer by Fr Roshan D’Souza, the spiritual director of the Association followed by the welcome address by the incumbent President Maxim D’Mello, one of the dynamic leaders inside and outside Canada who led the MAC for the longest period with four terms as MAC president. He extended a warm welcome to the members who attended in large numbers. He expressed his joy on the completion of the successful tenure and applauded existing members of the Executive Committee for their dedication and hard work.

During Maxim’s tenure, the MAC had very fruitful years during 2022-2023, a real drive towards unity among Mangalureans in the GTA and within Canada and a keen passion for keeping the flame of Konkani culture and traditions burning brightly, especially through the most cherished Nativity Feast (Monthi Fest). The members owe a huge gratitude to the incumbent President, Maxim D’Mello, vice-president Vijay Dante, and the Executive Committee, who have served the Mangalurean community tirelessly by promoting MAC in the GTA and within Canada.

Under the leadership of the able and energetic president Maxim D’Mello and dynamic VP Vijay Dante, working in unison with the elected EC, the community members, and the dedicated volunteers, MAC had stellar years of successful events and accomplishments. While speaking to Daijiworld at the venue Maxim said, “We take pride in what we have done in the last two years and we believe that we have lived up to the expectations of our members. While we promise our full support to those who take over the responsibilities from us shortly, we boldly say that MAC is on solid footing, the pillars are strong, and the flag is flying high”.

A few highlights:

Christmas Mass 2022 was held at 7 pm on Saturday, December 10th, 2022 at St Raphael Parish, Burlington. Carols were sung along with a tableau by children, were held after the mass followed by dinner at the Parish Hall followed by Santa distributing loot bags to all the kids.

The Lenten Retreat for the year 2023 was held at St Joseph’s Church, 162 Leslie Street, Toronto on March 11, 18, and 25. The Konkani mass on March 11 was held in memory of MAC’s former spiritual director, Late Fr Edwin D’Souza. The mass celebrant was Fr Roshan D’Souza and Fr Henry Alva conducted the retreat. Fr Manuel Antao was the celebrant for the Konkani mass and retreat on March 18th.

For the youth retreat on March 25, the Way of the Cross, readings, and Konkani Choir were led by MAC youth. Fr Roshan’s homily for the youth was very well-liked by the congregation.

On April 29, 2023, two teams from MAC i.e., Team A & B, participated in the Volleyball tournament organized by Mango Sports Association, led by Roger Pereira, son of our very own Vincent Pereira. Both the teams showed their fighting spirit and played well, but despite the tough competition by the other teams, we are proud to say that Team A gave a tough fight and reached the quarter-finals. Unfortunately, during one of the practices, MAC team captain and coach, Vidya Alvares, injured her knee and was unable to play in the tournament. All the best to our teams in their next tournament.

MAC Social (May 5, 2023)

Family Social was held on Friday, May 5, 2023, at the Palacio Event Centre, Mississauga, which was attended by a record number of guests. A crowd of about 475 people danced the night away to the melodious music and singing by the band - The New Illusions, and the talented DJ Kaya. Among the attendees, 30% were new immigrants.

Lenten Retreat (March 11, 18, 25 2023)

The Lenten Retreat for the year 2023 was held at St Joseph’s Church, 162 Leslie Street, Toronto on March 11, 18, and 25. The Konkani mass on March 11 was held in memory of our former Spiritual Director, the Late Fr Edwin D’Souza. The mass celebrant was Fr Roshan D’Souza, and Fr Henry Alva conducted the retreat Fr Antao was the celebrant for the Konkani mass and retreat on March 18th. For the youth retreat on March 25, the Way of the Cross, readings, and Konkani Choir was led by MAC youth. Fr Roshan’s homily for the youth was very well liked by the congregation.

Volleyball Tournament

On April 29, 2023, two teams from MAC i.e. Team A & B, participated in the Volleyball tournament organised by Mango Sports Association, led by Roger Pereira, son of our very own Vincent Pereira. Both the teams showed their fighting spirit and played well, but despite the tough competition by the other teams, we are proud to say that Team A gave a tough fight and reached the quarter finals. Unfortunately, during one of the practices, MAC team captain and coach, Vidya Alvares, injured her knee and was unable to play in the tournament. All the best to our teams in their next tournament.

MFSI Cricket - August 26, 2023

MFSI tournament was held on August 26 this year. Wilson D’Souza of SonWil finance has been instrumental in making Mango Friendship Series tournament a success for the past fifteen years. Eight teams competed this year. The MAC team for the first time won all their games and made it all the way to finals. The final was a nail biter and was fought to the very last ball. The MAC team lost the game by just two runs and entertained everyone with their fighting spirit and brave brand of cricket. The MAC Team this year was one of the strongest in the tournament with talented youth. There were 9 all-rounders in the team. The MAC team is lucky to have young talented players like Allwin, Stevan, Elroy, Matthew, Fr Roshan, Joyson, Loyd, Astor, Thomas, Calvin, Shawn and Osvin. Female players Jasmine and Nancy were exceptional this year with Laura as the substitute.

MAC Social (May 5, 2023)

The Family Social was held on Friday, May 5, 2023 at the Palacio Event Centre, Mississauga, which was attended by a record number of guests. A crowd of about 475 people danced the night away to the melodious music and singing by the band - The New Illusions, and the talented DJ Kaya. Among the attendees, 30% were new immigrants.

MAC Picnic (June 24, 2023)

On June 24, despite the dire predictions of rain, brave and eager people came in droves to attend the annual family picnic organised by MAC at the Meadowvale Conservation Park, Mississauga. More than 300 community people with their children, parents, seniors, youth, and pets came along with their picnic baskets, umbrellas, soccer balls, volley balls, and most of all, their enthusiasm and liveliness. The day was filled with games such as obstacle race, sack race, lemon & spoon race for the kids; volleyball, throw ball, tug-of-war, and bingo for adults.

Bicycle Ride (July 15, 2023)

MAC’s first-ever summer bicycle ride took place on July 15th at 9.30am, which started at Garnetwood Park, 4070 Ponytail Drive, and ended at Dixie/Midway in Mississauga. This was a great hit where we experienced participation from many bicycle riders. Thanks to Lawrence D’Souza for organizing the ride, coordinated along with Rony D’Souza and Rony Fernandes.

MAC Monthi Fest (Sept 10, 2023)

For the first time since MAC’s inception, this year under the leadership of our spiritual director, Fr Roshan D’Souza, MAC’s Monthi Fest preparations started with an online Novena for nine days from August 30 – September 07, 2023. MAC is grateful for Fr Roshan D’Souza for taking this initiative and bringing us all into the Fest mood. Our community has also appreciated the online novena with a few requests for Fr Roshan to give the sermon both in Konkani and English for the sake of those who do not understand Konkani. Fr Roshan liked this suggestion and will incorporate it from next year onwards.

Monthi Fest was celebrated in grandeur and with tradition on September 10 at the Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Mississauga. The Mangalorean community of all ages were gathered at the John Paul II Polish Cultural Centre at the Church premises for the flower showering ceremony, conducted by John D’Souza. After the flower showering ceremony, the congregation walked in a procession to the church for mass. While Fr Henry Alva was the main celebrant of the mass, Fr Roshan D’Souza delivered a reminiscent and passionate homily. The co-celebrants of the mass were Fr Andrew Lewis, Fr Wilson Andrade, and Deacon Sarfraz Pinto.

Charity

Being a great supporter and advocate in contributing to the needy organisations, last year MAC had donated approx. $4,000 to various charities here in Canada as well as in India. This year so far, $1,160 from the 50/50 draw during Nove was donated to the ‘White Doves’ situated in Mangaluru who are taking care of the kids in need from Manipur, India.

Osmitay – Konkani Movie (October 07, 2023)

The Osmitay movie viewers in Canada were extremely happy watching the movie that showcased the visual splendor of Konkani's rich folk heritage along with a love story that also offered a more realistic portrayal of the community and its culture. Among the audience were Jeswita (sister of heroine, Wencita Dias,) and Amora Monteiro (daughter of Denis Monteiro who played the lead role), Pritvi and Prakrati Monteiro (nephew and niece of the co-director and music director, Joel Pereira). All profits from this movie have been sent to Mandd Sobhann.

Christmas Bazaar – MAC’s signature event (December 16, 2023)

This was the final event organized by MAC-EC during their term 2022-2023 and turned out to be a signature event. The Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC), under the dynamic leadership of Maxim D’Mello, its president, Everest Vijay Dante, vice-president, and the hugely talented Executive Committee is the perfect example of an innovative and consistently evolving association. It demonstrated its uniqueness by successfully introducing and concluding an exceptional event, a Christmas Bazaar attended by over 500 people. MAC fulfilled its objective to connect new immigrant entrepreneurs with people within the community, it provided a casual fun atmosphere for newcomers to meet people from their hometowns in India, and finally, it brought back nostalgic memories of traditions and experiences of childhood days with families and friends coming together to share the Christmas cheer.

The members of the new Executive Committee for the year 2024–2025 are the following:

Reginald Fernandes, one of the most committed, and dedicated members of MAC, as an Auditor approved the Financial Accounts of MAC.

And so, the formation of the new Executive Committee for the upcoming year was the main highlight of the day. Leo D’Cunha, Louella Cardoza and Mary Fernandes, the experienced returning officers, conducted the formalities with aplomb and savior-faire! The members of the new Executive Committee for the year 2024 – 2025 are the following:

Spiritual Director - Fr Roshan D’Souza CSC
President            - Everest Vijay Dante
Vice President     - Janet D’Souza
Gen. Secretary   - Cynthia Lewis
Asst. Secretary   - Carrol D’Souza
Treasurer           - Reginald Fernandes
Asst. Treasurer    - Prescilla D’Souza
Cultural Coordinator - Charlotte D’Souza
Spiritual Coordinator - Nina Crasta
Sports and Youth Coordinator - Sanjay William Castelino
Public Relations Coordinator - Vincent Pereira
Web Master - Pamela Soans
Auditor - Ivan Lobo

The MAC members look forward to exhilarating events organized by the energetic, talented, and vibrant EC team under the dynamic leadership of Vijay Dante and Janet D’Souza.