from Lynn D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - New Jersey (SP)

New Jersey, Jun 12: Nearly 150 guests from over six states (Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Mary Land) of the East Coast graced the inaugural of the Mangalorean Catholic Association, at William Warren Park, New Jersey on Sunday June 7, 2009. The weather was splendid, and the park provided a magnificent setting for partygoers, who enjoyed great food, wonderful company and the opportunity to meet fellow Mangalorean Catholics. The day started with a prayer by Melvin Mendonca, followed by a Konkani hymn by Merlin Mendonca and her team. The guests were welcomed by Mark Mendonca, who was the compere of the event.

This was followed by the keynote address by Lynn D'Souza, who emphasized the importance of upholding our Catholic faith and Mangalorean tradition, to create a rich platform for the next generation. The ice breaker, a fun-filled activity, was arranged thereafter, in which the participation by the guests was animated and enthusiastic.

Lunch was a delectable spread of fine Mangalorean cuisine. Mealtime allowed for the guests to socialize, interact, and to get to know each other better. After lunch, team building activities were conducted by Kevin D’Costa. Next, the executive board was selected and the name of the organization was finalized. Three names were short-listed by the participants.

From among the short-listed names, Mangalorean Catholic Association of East Coast (MCAEC) was chosen unanimously by all the members present.

Manesh Aranha was elected as the president of the Association. Grace Baretto, Kevin D’Costa and Lynn D’Souza, respectively, were elected to the posts of vice-president for programme, membership and public relations. Roweena Rego was elected as the secretary and Violet Monis, the treasurer. A team of four was chosen as the webmasters: Daryl Martis, Dilip Lewis, Collins Lewis and John Aranha.  Edridge D’Souza and Clayton Monis, both twelve-year-olds, volunteered to be the webmasters of the junior wing of the organization. Edridge D’Souza and Clayton Monis Joe Martis, Mark Mendonca, Charles Rodrigues and Brian Santhumayor were chosen as mentors to guide the executive board.

After another round of fun and games in the evening, the event ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Christopher Monis. Those who are willing o be a part of the MCA-EC or wish to participate in their future events may contact: mcaec.pr@gmail.com mca.eastcoast@gmail.com.