Media Release
Hyderabad, Sep 18: Kanara Catholic Welfare Association (KCWA), Hyderabad celebrated Monthifest on September 9, 2018 at the premises of St Patrick’s High School, Secunderabad.
About 160 Mangalureans in Hyderabad joined the celebrations. People gathered in the ground outside the school hall, near the statue of Maria Bambina. Celebrations began with blessing of Maria Bambina statue, the new harvest of rice grains and the gathering.
Fr Reagan D’Souza(new Carmelite priest & son of our members Reginald & Pauline D’Souza), Fr Alwin Mascarenhas SVD and Fr Lancelot Menezes of the Archdiocese were the celebrants.The gathering sang Konkani hymns worshipping Infant Mary and Mother Mary. Members led by little children showered flowers on the image of Maria Bambina. The image was then taken into the school hall where mass was concelebrated in Konkani. The KCWA choir sang melodious Konkani hymns and the congregation joined in the singing. Small children led the singing and in also playing musical instruments. Blessed grain was distributed to the gathering after the mass. After the mass there was a short break for refreshments.
Members and spouses then assembled in the hall for the Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of the association. The guests and children entertained themselves outside where Ashrita D`Souza and Chelsea D’Cunha conducted games and competitions. The AGM commenced with the welcome address by president Alwyn Menezes. Lavina D’Souza general secretary read out the annual report and that was followed by the accounting report read out by the treasurer Ronald D`Silva. Some amendments to the rules and regulations of KCWA were proposed by the executive committee, and these were discussed and passed by majority vote. Reena Monis ably compered the programme. Six new members joined KCWA and were welcomed and introduced to the gathering.
Students (members’ children) who had scored 70% and above marks in final exams of schools / colleges / professional courses were presented meritorious performance medals and certificates by Fr Reagan D’Souza.
Many families of members worked hard and prepared traditional homemade Mangalorean food items for lunch. Sugar cane pieces were also distributed. The gathering enjoyed impromptu singing and dancing after lunch. The traditional Mangalorean style of celebration was enjoyed by all and was a grand success.