Media Release
Chicago, Dec 19: Mangalorean Konkan Christians Association celebrated its 16th annual Nathal Fest (Christmas Celebration) at Viceroy of India Banquet Hall at Lombard, Illinois. There were representatives from Indian Catholic Association of America and Goan Association, who attended this programme along with number of guests from around Chicagoland area.
The programme was initiated with the celebration of Holy Eucharist by Fr Henry Sequeira and co-celebrant Fr Walter Mendonca. During this celebration Fr Sequeira welcomed all the attendees for coming together as a Konkan Christian community in celebrating the birth of Savior Jesus Christ. In his homily Fr Mendonca called upon all the attendees to be one in Christ’s likeness, so that they can deliver love and hope to others.
He said Christ was born in a manger as a poor human being by foregoing all the divine eternal greatness, to just to guide the human race how to lead a humble life and at the same time to be great in sharing the worldly belongings that we have with the less fortunate. He also delivered heartfelt tragedy suffered by the people of Tortola, one of the islands of British Virgin Islands, where he is working as a parish priest. He said the two Hurricanes that hit the island washed away 90% of the homes in the island, where 25,000 people were living. Both the Hurricanes – Irma and Maria were category 5 hurricanes and one of them had the wind gusts of 250 mph. He stated after this there were no trees with any leaves left behind. He said still the people of the island are living with hope and they need lot of help to sustain themselves.
There was Konkani choir presented by MKCA members under the leadership of Concy Mesquita. All the participants enjoyed the Konkani hymns.
President of MKCA, Vissia D’Souza in her welcome speech thanked all the participants for their support to MKCA programs in the past two years of her tenure. She invited her executive committee members to the dais and informed that without their help, she could not have achieved great success in all the programs that were conducted. She also acknowledged all the Chairpersons, who took leadership of past two years’ programs. She also honored three members with President’s Award. While awarding the plaques to Jossie Mendonca, Dorothy Rego and Concy Mesquita, she said they have shown unparalleled unconditional commitment, dedication and consistency in their respective areas of expertise. She said without them MKCA would not be the same.
Past president and compere of the programme Steven D’Souza conducted musical chairs for children and adults with a new twist. All participants enjoyed the games, as if like there is no tomorrow. The past president and current secretary of the association, Queenie Mendonca conducted best dressed adult male and female game. All the participants of this game and the members present enjoyed the cat-walk of the women and majestic moves of the men.
The organizers conducted 50-50 raffle in an effort to support the victims of Hurricane Irma and Maria in British Virgin Islands. The vice president of the association, Roshini Carvalho, conveyed her thanks to all the members who prepared ‘Kuswar’ (Christmas goodies), celebrants of Holy Eucharist and all the participants for making this programme a grand success.
The participants enjoyed couple dance and group dance to the tunes of Konkani, Spanish, Hindi and English songs played by DJ Shrey. All participants received free Kuswar packets, courtesy of members of MKCA.