Gerry D’Mello

Daijiworld Media Network, Toronto

Toronto, Oct 2: Maxim D'Mello, a highly acclaimed Mangalurean leader in Canada, along with his wife Prescilla D'Mello, received recognition during the 12th Annual Vincent/Ozanam Dinner Awards ceremony on September 14, for completing 20 years of dedicated service to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. The National Council of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul honored them with a Service Award Certificate, presented by Bishop Wayne Lobsinger of the Hamilton Diocese in Ontario, Canada.

Adding to his accolades, the Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) felicitated Maxim during the Monthi Fest celebration on September 8, recognizing his relentless service to MAC and the broader Konkani community. During the glittering event, Vijay Dante, president of MAC, read the ‘Felicitation Address,’ offering the audience a glimpse into Maxim’s meaningful and outstanding contributions. Dante expressed the association’s gratitude for Maxim's strong leadership and unwavering commitment to MAC, despite his ill health. Maxim, currently a Management Committee member of MAC, continues to provide invaluable guidance and support. As a mark of respect, the MAC Executive Committee members, Reginald and Mary Fernandes, presented Maxim with a memento.

Maxim D'Mello, proud son of the late Antony D'Mello and the late Lucy D'Mello, hails from St Lawrence parish, Attur, Karkala, Dakshina Kannada. He is married to Prescilla Lobo, and they have three well-settled children. After graduating from Sri Bhuvanendra College, Karkala, Maxim worked for over 25 years at The Bank of Kuwait and the Middle East, KSC, Kuwait. He was actively involved with the Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA), serving as its president before immigrating to Canada in 2002. Since then, he has been an integral part of the Mangalorean Association of Canada and was first elected as its president in 2006.

Maxim is the only president in MAC's history to have served four terms. During his tenure, MAC experienced fruitful years, marked by successful events and accomplishments. Maxim, with his energetic and talented leadership, worked closely with the elected Executive Committee, community members, and dedicated volunteers to achieve stellar results.

With a passion for preserving Konkani culture and traditions, Maxim was instrumental in initiating the first-ever Monthi Fest celebration in Canada. Alongside MAC’s former spiritual director, the late Fr Edwin D’Souza, Maxim also played a key role in organizing monthly Konkani Holy Masses and Konkani Spiritual Retreats during Lent. Tech-savvy and dedicated, he was the first to introduce e-ticketing for MAC’s signature events like the MAC Social and Monthi Fest celebrations.

The MAC members owe a huge debt of gratitude to Maxim D’Mello for his tireless service in promoting MAC and serving the Mangalurean community in the Greater Toronto Area and across Canada.