Gerry D’Mello
Daijiworld Media Network - Toronto
Toronto, Jan 26: Janet D’Souza, one of the highly talented and dynamic 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 recently at St Josephine Bakhita Parish Hall, Mississauga, Canada. Janet created history by becoming the first lady president not only of MAC, but also of any Konkani organization in Canada.
MAC’s former vice-president Janet, who is a native of Mangaluru. She was born into an army family to the late Major John Baptist D’Souza and the late Apoline D’Souza. She is a renowned orator and writer well known for her dynamic leadership skills and is a gold medallist, 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.
In addition, MAC is fortunate to have yet another dynamic leader, the former president of MAC, Ronald Fernandes, as the vice-president, who is also a native of Mangaluru. He is an eloquent speaker well known for his strong leadership, dedication, and unassuming nature.
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 outgoing president, Vijay Dante, who 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 Vijay Dante’s tenure, the MAC had very fruitful years during 2024-2025, 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 Monthi Fest and the thrilling success of Christmas Bazaar. The members expressed gratitude to the outgoing president, Vijay Dante, vice-president Janet D’Souza, 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 Vijay Dante and VP Janet D’Souza, 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, Vijay 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 a solid footing, the pillars are strong, and the flag is flying high in MAC’s 25th year.”
A few highlights:
Christmas Mass and pageant (Dec 8, 2024)
Christmas Mass 2024 was held at 2 pm on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at St Josephine Bakhita Church, Mississauga. A tableau by children accompanied by Carols, was held after the mass at the Church Hall followed by Santa distributing loot bags to all the kids. The children performed beautifully under the guidance of Nina Crasta, the liturgical coordinator.
Christmas Bazaar (December 14, 2024)
MAC showcased its distinctiveness and the ideal illustration of an inventive and evolving association by successfully launching and wrapping up an extraordinary event, the Christmas Bazaar.
More than 500 people attended the event, which was held on December 14, 2024, from 10 am to 3:30 pm at Sts Cyril and Methodius Parish Church Hall. It featured 20 vendors. The community responded favorably to MAC's strategic marketing, constant communication, active support and encouragement of businesses, and the Bazaar was assured a successful outcome. Santa's appearance and the giving of gifts to both adults and children marked the end of the bazaar.
Lenten Retreat (March 9, 16 and 23, 2025)
The 2025 Lenten Retreat was held at St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Church in Mississauga. Fr Henry Alva preached on March 9; Fr Rajesh D'Souza on March 16 and on March 23, Fr Roshan led the youth retreat. The youth led the Way of the Cross, readings, and the Konkani Choir on this day. Fr Roshan’s homily resonated with all the congregation, especially the youth and young adults.
MAC Social (May 5, 2025)
The annual MAC Social was held at the Palacio Event Center on Saturday, May 5, 2025. It was an evening unparalleled in its celebration, ambience and execution celebrating many groundbreaking milestones. This sold-out show was attended by over 550 guests, an astonishing number of sponsors and multi-generational families.
The 50/50 raffle draw was a huge success as people supported the charities. The beneficiaries of half of the collection were St Ann’s Parish; Food Bank, Toronto; and Good Shepherd. A Cheque of $925 each was given to these beneficiaries.
This year, "Pure Magic," which is owned by Errol Goveas of Dubai, processed the e-ticketing system. The e-tickets were scanned using Android phones, and it was a smooth process without any problems.
Monthly Konkani Mass – Approved covenant
The Archdiocese of Toronto officially approved MAC’s request, signed and sealed a Covenant between St Josephine Bakhita Parish and MAC. Through this Covenant, MAC has been granted a permanent church to celebrate its monthly Konkani Masses and Lenten retreats.
This milestone is of great significance to MAC. It reinforces MAC’s core mission to foster a sense of belonging and solidarity, promote Konkani language, traditions and support the beloved and respected clergy.
Youth & Young Adults
MAC launched an initiative to engage and mentor youth and young adults with a Meet and Greet on May 25, 2025 at Konkan Delite, Mississauga. The enthusiasm was visibly apparent in all the 30 participants. The event was kicked off with a welcome, outlining the objectives of the meeting, blueprint of activities for the year and a survey with the intent to gather feedback and intel. Unsurprisingly, the survey responses gave MAC a good idea of what the youth wanted - build a community of belonging, connect young adults with the community and give back through volunteering. A bowling event for the youth and young adults was organised by MAC on February 21 at the Planet Bowl, Mississauga. The Youth and Young Adults Recollection Day was successfully held on Sunday, May 25, 2025 under the guidance and leadership of Fr Roshan and Carrol D’Souza. Nearly 26 youth participated in the program. Fr Sojan Augustine was the guest speaker and delivered a thoughtful and enlightening message to the young adults.
Food Bank volunteer work (June 18, 2025)
On June 18 between 5 pm and 7.30 pm, up to 12 volunteers from MAC EC, MC and young adults from the community took part as a group and volunteered at the Food Banks Mississauga. MAC delivered approximately 330lbs of non-perishable food items collected during the Lenten masses and a cheque of $500.
MAC Family Picnic (June 21, 2025)
The picnic was lively and full of fun. Despite the rain, bold and enthusiastic individuals flocked to the Meadowvale Conservation Park in Mississauga for MAC's annual family picnic. More than 350 members of the community, along with their kids, parents, elders, young people, and dogs, arrived with their picnic baskets, umbrellas, volley balls, soccer balls, and most importantly, their energy and vitality. For the children, there were obstacle races, sack races, lemon and spoon races; for the adults, there were volleyball, toss ball, tug-of-war, and bingo.
Participants helped themselves to a variety of foods following the prayer in which they thanked God for uniting the community in love and harmony. DJ Joyson kept the crowd entertained.
Midland Pilgrimage
On Saturday, July 5, 2025, MAC, in partnership with KOT and CWF, arranged a bus for pilgrims from Mississauga and Brampton for the Martyr's Shrine Midland Pilgrimage.
New Scholarship for Grade 9
Ronald Mathias, one of MAC’s longtime supporters, offered to give $250 per year for a brand-new Grade 9 scholarship, to which MAC added $250. EC gratefully accepted this generous offer and awarded the first scholarship to a Grade 9 student during Monthi Fest 2025.
Monthi Fest Novena (Aug 28 – Sept 6, 2025)
In preparation of Mother Mary’s birthday, a nine-day Novena was held live from August 28 – September 6 and livestreamed daily on YouTube.
Monthi Fest (Sept 7, 2025)
Monthi Fest 2025 was a resounding success with a record number of nine clergy attending the Mass celebration. More than 500+ attended the mass and the cultural program. The Marian Apparitions play was a great success due to the outstanding portrayal of the glory of Mother Mary by the little children and the hard work by Rohan and Nina Crasta and also due to all the participants, choir, volunteers, altar servers and their dedicated service. Together, MAC celebrated not only a tradition, but a testament to faith, culture, and community.
Volunteer Appreciation (Oct 3, 2025)
With their hard work and devotion to the Mangalorean Association of Canada, the volunteers assist MAC in creating enduring relationships that truly make a difference in strengthening and uniting the community people. Volunteers donate their valuable time and resources to MAC during its many activities, which include the Konkani Monthly Mass, the Family Social, the Annual Picnic, the Monthi Fest, and many more. The Volunteer Appreciation Event was held on Friday, October 3, 2025 at Konkan Delite Restaurant in Mississauga, and MAC honored the volunteers who have contributed to its success. The invitees were grateful for MAC's gesture and acknowledgement of their hard work. Food was served after a fun-filled event.
Christmas Bazaar – MAC’s Signature Event (Dec 6, 2025)
MAC showcased its distinctiveness and the ideal illustration of an inventive and evolving association by successfully launching and wrapping up an extraordinary event, the Christmas Bazaar.
More than 1000 people attended the event, which was held on December 6, 2025, from 10 am to 3:30 pm at Sts Cyril and Methodius Parish Church Hall. It featured 20 vendors. The community responded favorably to MAC's strategic marketing, constant communication, active support and encouragement of businesses, and the Bazaar was assured a successful outcome. Santa's appearance and the giving of gifts to both adults and children marked the end of the bazaar.
Christmas Mass and Pageant (Dec 14, 2025)
Christmas Mass 2025 was held at 2 pm on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at St Josephine Bakhita Church, Mississauga. The Young Adult choir filled the church with beautiful music that stirred the congregation. A mesmerizing tableau by children accompanied by carols, was held after the mass at the church hall followed by Santa distributing loot bags to all the kids. DJ Joyson entertained the gathered community with his Christmas music.
Spiritual Act of Entrustment - Our Lady of the Rosary as Patroness of MAC
On January 11, 2026, MAC reached a profound and meaningful milestone, uniting the Mangalorean community in prayer and devotion. The final Spiritual Act of Entrustment was solemnly completed, marked by the decoration of a beautiful portrait of Our Lady of the Rosary with flowers and candles. Fr Roshan joyfully placed MAC under the protection and patronage of Our Lady of the Rosary. Prayer booklets containing the MAC Consecration Prayer, along with Rosaries, were blessed and distributed to the congregation.
In Memoriam - Late Fr Edwin D’Souza
Late Fr Edwin D’Souza was honored as MAC’s first spiritual director, where, in his deep faith, vision, and compassion, guided MAC through its early years, offering constant encouragement and pastoral care. His dedication and leadership laid the spiritual foundation of MAC. In his memory, MAC renamed the $1,500 Year 1 University Entrant scholarship as The Rev Fr Edwin D’Souza Memorial Scholarship.
Speaking to Daijiworld, the newly elected president Janet said, “The new MAC Team is more than a committee. It is a family of Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials, united not by age but by heart. We come together with diverse gifts, experiences, and strengths. We face obstacles, celebrate victories, learn from setbacks, and rise again—always with the community at the center of all we do”.
The new executive committee for the term January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027
Fr Roshan D’Souza CSC - Spiritual Director
Janet D'Souza - President
Ronald Fernandes - Vice President
Reginald Fernandes - Treasurer
Prescilla D’Souza - Assistant Treasurer
Cynthia Lewis - General Secretary
Melissa Pinto - Joint Secretary
Nina Crasta - Liturgical Coordinator
Charlotte D’Souza - Cultural Coordinator
Lydwin Lobo - Public Relations Coordinator
Pamela Soans - Webmaster
Aaron Fernandes - Sports & Youth Coordinator
Ivan Lobo – Auditor
The MAC members look forward to exhilarating events for MAC’s Silver Jubilee, organized by the energetic, talented, vibrant, and Women Powered EC team under the dynamic leadership of Janet D’Souza & Ronald Fernandes.