Canada: MAC Gears up for Decennial Celebrations with 'MAC Social'
 
Gerry D'Mello & Janet D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Canada
 
Canada, Apr 10: Canada's premier Konkani Association 'Mangalorean Association of Canada' (MAC) will present the most spectacular evening of the year - "MAC Social - 2012" on April 14 at The Grand Taj Banquet and Convention Centre, Mississauga from 6.30 pm, a night of entertainment filled with lovely music, innovative games, lots of exciting prizes and all the more, a dance competition. Undoubtedly MAC Social 2012 extravaganza will be a thrilling and most memorable event with the presence of GTA’s amazing DJ Rudiii, most popular live band, The Marawders and renowned emcee Ivan D'Lima.
 
Although MAC is only twelve years old, it is Canada's premier Mangalorean Konkani Association and in the current year 2012 completes 10 glorious years of venturing into the much acclaimed family Social event 'MAC Social'. The sole objective of this super event is to bring various families together under one roof in the spirit of oneness under the banner of Love, Joy and Peace!

The MAC, with members originating from different parts of Coastal Karnataka, has formed as one family in this distant land of Canada. Their motto is "Together we can make difference" and by organizing various Spiritual, Cultural, Social and Sports events attract every Mangalorean to this wonderful organization. Its unequivocal commitment in preserving the rich Konkani language, culture and tradition and strengthening the relationship with Mangaloreans in Canada is praiseworthy.
 
The MAC working group consists of the Executive Committee and functional committees comprising of MAC members whose skills and talents encompass a wide spectrum of jobs and activities. The EC is the top executive and administrative body of MAC. The EC and various functional committees are jointly accountable to ensure the smooth working of the organization. Each member takes immense pride in fulfilling the responsibility assigned. The association also has the unflinching support and spiritual guidance of Fr Edwin D’Souza, parish-priest of Sts. Martha and Mary Parish, Mississauga.

It is due to the dedicated and untiring efforts of Life, former EC members, current EC members and our dearly departed members that MAC has triumphed over challenges and accomplished great things. These members deserve applause: Melwyn Menezes, Freda DeSouza, Paul Mathias, Merlyn Rodrigues, Joe Pereira, Reynold Sequeira, Elma Sequeira, Maxim Mendes, Clara Fernandes, late Herbert Lobo, late Vasant Salian, Eryl Menezes, Lily Salian, Rose Pereira, Arun D’Mello, Merlyn D’Mello, Lancy Rodrigues, Ronald Fernandes, Hyacinth DeSouza, Ronald D’Souza, Hilda D’Souza, Maxim D’Mello, Prescilla D’Mello, Irene Mathias, Oswald Sequeira, Peter D’Souza, Florine D’Souza, Ivan Lobo, Lydwin Lobo, Myrtle Lobo, Charles D’Souza, Nancy Mendes, Janet D’Souza, Leo Rego, Mary Fernandes, Margaret Shankar, Ronald Monteiro, Stanislaus D’Souza, Jerome Cardoza, Vijay Pereira, Ronald Mathias, Reginald Fernandes and Leo D’Cunha.
 
The growth of MAC during the past decade is phenomenal. Everyone who is close to the association can boldly assert that the selfless dedication of the past and current Executive Committee members is the key success of this great institution. As a recognition for its superb achievements, MAC has been recognized by Mandd Sobhann (Mangalore based Konkani organization that is striving to promote Konkani and its distinct culture worldwide), as one of the best 25 Konkani associations in the World and honoured by the Hon. President of India in 2010 in Mangalore, India. Truly it’s a tremendous accomplishment and this fact is a matter of great pride for every Mangalorean residing in Canada. MAC is also a member of the Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations, Bangalore, India.
 
MAC observed a void in the lives of its community members, a lack of voice and representation and confronted the challenge by introducing pioneer programs. The celebration of the Nativity Feast or Monthi Fest in Canada is an unusual and much appreciated event attended by hundreds and culminating in the traditional flower throwing ceremony by children, Konkani mass and a vegetarian dinner. This devotion and observation of a unique Mangalorean tradition is celebrated with pride and splendor in the midst of a powerful gathering of our community members. A newly initiated Stations of the Cross and service in Konkani spearheaded by Gerry D’Mello during the Lenten season and the ongoing monthly Konkani masses slaked the thirst of the community hungering for their own language and traditions.

Visiting dignitaries from India such as Dr Aloysius D'Souza, Bishop of Mangalore, Dr. Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore, Albert D’Souza, Archbishop of Agra, Fr Patrick D’Souza, Director of Fr Muller’s Charitable Institutions and Dr Gerald John Mathias, Bishop of Shimla-Chandigarh have come to Canada and honored by MAC. Each shared their vision, experiences and their unwavering trust in the providence of the Lord with the multitude of faithful Catholics in Canada.

The Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) reciprocated this generous spiritual guidance by providing financial support and donations to the causes dear to the hearts of the spiritual leaders. In a show of kindred spirit, empathy and solidarity, MAC provided financial and emotional support to organizations assisting Christians suffering from atrocities in Orissa. MAC has supported Konkani artistes such as the late MickMax, a noteworthy writer, poet and singer by fundraising and making donations for his tremendous contributions to the world of music. To promote the revival of our mother tongue, Konkani, MAC proposed and initiated a 2-week Konkani Beginner’s course with enthusiastic response from a number of students. With a simple yet challenging curriculum, the students became part of heritage and culture that was foreign to them.
 
The Christmas event organized by MAC, an affirmation of the association’s mandate to promote Catholic traditions in a close knit family environment is an exceptional accomplishment with a plethora of activities held specifically for children. The MAC Social, a fun and much welcomed event, provides the perfect opportunity for networking, family gatherings, renewal of acquaintances, and making new friends. This is also an opportune event for business sponsors to reap the benefits of their support, gain exposure for their services and create awareness within the community of what they do and provide.

The annual family picnic planned by MAC creates an environment for friendly yet challenging competitions wherein men, women, children and seniors prove their mettle, test their strength and agility and demonstrate their tenacity in games such as volleyball and tug ‘O’ war. The Youth Forum organized by MAC was an excellent initiative focused on promoting, developing and mentoring the Mangalorean youth. This forum allowed our youth to network, demonstrate their talents and leadership and provide ideas to encourage and sustain the Mangalorean traditions, culture and language. Presented with the challenge of piquing and engaging the interest of the community for summer events, the Mangalorean Association of Canada rose to the occasion and organized a stimulating Treasure Hunt/Car Rally event. There was enthusiastic response from a blend of young and old participants who were motivated by their desire to see new and interesting places while engaging in friendly competition. A break from the routine and humdrum of daily life was provided by an exciting Bowling event and Casino Rama trip organized by MAC.
 
MAC has established a Scholarship Fund of $500 for the first year university entrants. This scholarship will be open to the children of active MAC members. MAC is committed to assisting and coordinating with other community members and organizations the building of a home for the aged and seniors. This home will offer services and programs to meet the needs of our loved ones and enhance their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. The association has taken into consideration and is in the process of establishing a helpline for new immigrants which will support them in Canada, provide networking and opportunities for employment. MAC is exploring the possibilities of offering Mortuary benefits to members of the association and their families; an offering that will ease the burden of families when a catastrophe strikes their loved ones.
 
Without any prejudice, with its accomplishments of yesterday, its successes of today and its triumphs of tomorrow, MAC will remain as a beacon of hope for every Mangalorean residing in Canada and especially for the younger generation.