News: Stany D'Souza
Pics: Austin D'Souza
Chicago, Dec 13: Catholics of the city celebrated the festive and most awaited Christmas which made history with the first visit of the Cardinal to the Indian Catholic community of the area. In spite of snowstorm in the forecast, the Waterford Banquets’ Grand Ballroom was packed with a representation of the various communities in the area.
People from surrounding states participated in the Eucharistic Celebration by Cardinal Cupich.
The programme was arranged under the banner of Indian Catholics of Chicago by three major Catholic associations of Chicagoland. The representatives of India Catholic Association of America, Mangalorean Konkan Christians Association and Kerala Latin Catholics Association’s meticulous planning gave the Christmas programme a thundering success.
The programme was initiated with celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Cardinal Cupich, who was accompanied by eight other priests from the surrounding communities. Cardinal Cupich in his sermon reminded the celebrants, "We are in our journey in this world and it shall be made fruitful through our good deeds to others." He highlighted how Indian families come together to celebrate and rejoice with their entire family as one unit. This symbolizes bond and togetherness. He said it is a unique cultural aspect. He reminded the celebrants that Indian Catholics have a rich and historic cultural and spiritual heritage through the introduction of the Christian faith by St Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ.
The celebration of the Holy Eucharist was highlighted through three groups of choirs from the representatives of the associations involved in the singing of English, Konkani and Malayalam hymns. Cardinal Cupich expressed his appreciation for welcoming him with such grandeur. As a token of love and appreciation the association representatives presented him a cheque. The Holy Eucharist was followed by a cultural programme where all the children present received Christmas presents from the Santa Claus couple (Randy Makela and Anita D’Souza).
Many of the attendees won several unique basketfuls of goodies in the raffle draw.
The organisers arranged mouth watering ethnic snacks followed by a sumptuous ethnic dinner. The attendees danced till they dropped to the DJ’s English, Konkani, Hindi and Spanish musical tunes. The programme was effectively conducted by the compère Anil D’Souza. The organising committee comprised of Bill Ferreira, Prem Britto, Joe D’Mello, Denzil D’Souza (from ICAA), Vissia D’Souza, Austin Prabhu and Queenie Mendonca (from MKCA) and Herald Figueiredo and Joseph Shaju (from KLCC).