Media Release
Hyderabad, Sep 21: Kanara Catholic Welfare Association (KCWA) Hyderabad celebrated Monthi Fest on Sept 15, 2019 at St Mary’s Chapel, Mornington Road, Secunderabad.
About 130 people joined the celebrations.
The congregation gathered in the ground outside near the image of Maria Bambina. Celebrations began with blessing of the image of Maria Bambina, blessing of the new harvest of rice grains and blessing of gathering by Fr Alwin Mascarenhas, the celebrant.
The gathering sang Konkani hymns worshipping Infant Mary and Mother Mary. All people, led by little children, showered flowers on the image of Maria Bambina. The image was then taken in a procession into the chapel where Fr AlwIn celebrated the mass in Konkani. The choir sang melodious Konkani hymns and the congregation joined in the singing. Children led the singing & also played musical instruments. Traditional ‘roce’ made from with blessed grains was distributed to the gathering after the Mass.
After the Mass there was a short break for refreshments. The association members and spouses then assembled in the hall for the Annual General Body Meeting. The guests and children entertained themselves outside where Melita and Renita Abraham conducted games and competitions for the children.
The AGM was chaired by president Alwyn Menezes. He read out his opening address at the beginning. General secretary Lavina D’Souza read out the annual report, followed by the accounting report by the treasurer Ronald D`Silva. After the AGM the biennial elections were conducted by Sarita Mendanha who officiated as the electoral officer. Here are the names of the new office bearers and members of the
Executive Committee:
President: Alwyn Menezes
Vice President: Stanley Abraham
General Secretary: Stany Mendonca
Joint Secretary: Michael Abraham
Treasurer: Ronald D`Silva
Members:
Freni Saldanha
Reena Monis
Lawrence Monteiro
Malwan D’Cunha
James Sylvester
Edward Pereira
The association presented meritorious performance medals and certificates to students who had scored 70% and above marks in school / college final exams and professional courses. The awards were presented by past President Benjamin Monteiro.
Traditional vegetarian lunch was served to all. Sugar cane pieces were distributed to the members to take home. The gathering enjoyed impromptu singing and dancing after lunch. All members and their families enjoyed the traditional style of celebration of Monthi Fest in the twin cities.