Media Release by Vissia Dsouza

Chicago, Apr 8:  The Mangaorean Konkan Christian Association (MKCA/USA) celebrated Easter Vigil Mass commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ at the Courtland Square Club House,  Des Plaines, Illinois.  After a graceful Lenten season and spirit-filled Lenten Retreat, the devotees were all set to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with great joy.

The celebration was initiated with holy Mass by Fr. Richard Vaz, SVD  with blessing of fire and lighting of Easter Candle followed by blessing of incense and water. Fr. Vaz, in his powerful sermon, invited the people to celebrate the light and Joy of the Easter Vigil and to celebrate the great mystery of our salvation accomplished in the passion, death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In his message focusing on "Who will roll away the stone for us?", he said "The Easter promise is that the same Jesus who could not be held back by torture, by death, by stones rolled in front of tombs, is the same Jesus who is alive today and here today to live in you, to rescue you, heal you, empower you and set you free from any tomb you've even known". He further stated “Christ is alive in our world and is waiting to meet every one of us.  Alleluia.” The mass was conducted with hymns in Konkani and English, headed by MKCA Choir group lead by Dorothy Rego and Daphnie Fernandes.

The MKCA President, Godwin Rego welcomed the guests and the members present.  There was Open Bar complimented with mouth watering appetizers. DJ Joey, before drawing the crowd to the stage, played a Whitney Houston’s song as a tribute to the legendary singer who passed away recently. This was followed by games for children and adults conducted by Roopa Misquita.  All the children were presented with Easter gifts donated by Mrs. Janaki Srinivas Rao.  In addition Easter Bunny (Shawn D’Souza) entertained the young children and presented them with Easter baskets.

Then it was a time for Dinner. The dinner was catered by Tava Grill, Indian Restaurant, Morton Grove. In addition, there was a home-made traditional Pork dish prepared by Jossie  Mendonca,  Sannas by Melville/Merlyn D’Souza,  Chana sukka and Vorn by Larry/Edna Mascarenhas, which was relished and cherished by the guests.

For having this program a great success, the Secretary Steven D’Souza thanked the guests and members, for their enthusiastic participation and help in organizing the program. He especially thanked Dorothy Rego, the event chairperson for coordinating the program.  In keeping up with the tradition of Mangalorean Konkan Christians, all the participants present sang ‘Loudathe dominum’ as a mark of successful conclusion of a formal program.  All the participants danced to the tunes of Konkani, Spanish, Hindi and English songs. The program was successfully compeered by a dynamic emcee Amith Prabhu.