Gerry D’Mello

Daijiworld Media Network - Toronto

Toronto, Mar 5: The Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC), under the dynamic leadership of its incumbent president, Maxim D’Mello, vice-president Vijay Dante, and spiritual secretary Ronald D’Souza, is all set to have a great beginning this New Year with a graceful and spirit-filled spiritual mission during the Lenten season. The anointed preachers would be Rev Fr Henry Alva ofm cap, Fr Manuel Antao SVD, and Fr Roshan D’Souza csc, the spiritual director of MAC who would be the main celebrant for all the masses.

Starting on March 11, the spiritual thirst-quenching retreat talks will be preached on three consecutive Saturdays, i.e., March 11, 18 and 25, during the Holy month of Lent. All talks will be based on the holy scriptures. The graceful retreat will focus on in-depth enlightenment towards the Word of God. A special spiritual talk will be addressed to the youth on March 25 by Fr Roshan. This spiritual program will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Toronto. The program will start at 6.30 pm with stations of the Cross followed by holy mass and conclude with a retreat preaching in Konkani.

In addition to the Lenten Mission on March 11, MAC is organizing a memorial service to commemorate the first death anniversary of the Late Fr Edwin D’Souza who left this world for his heavenly abode on February 19 last year. Fr Edwin, who was nicknamed the ‘Konkani Priest of Canada,’ played a vital role in promoting the Konkani language, art and culture in Canada. He was the spiritual director of MAC for almost 2 decades. Being the first spiritual director of MAC, he encouraged the association to start their first-ever spiritual programs in Konkani in Canada like the Monti Fest Celebration, Konkani Masses every Month, Stations of the Cross and Spiritual Retreat during the Holy Season of Lent. Also, he was instrumental in inviting the bishops of Toronto Rt Rev John Bossinov and Rt Rev William McGratten for the Monti Fest celebrations organized by MAC. He was a gentle, humble, down-to-earth personality. He was a man of action. Through his simplicity and purpose, he conveyed more than words could ever do. He was practical, soft-spoken, and realistic, yet strong in his commitment to the community. Truly Fr Edwin, son of the Mangalorean soil, who was a great supporter of the Konkani language, art and culture, was a great blessing for the Konkani community in Canada. Undoubtedly, he lived life as an ‘Altar Christus!’ The ever-smiling Fr Edwin lived a holy and dedicated priestly life.

Undoubtedly, everyone who is going to attend this spiritual mission will have a great soul-elevating experience. The Konkani community in Greater Toronto, Mississauga, and the surrounding areas are invited to attend in large numbers to attend such an enriching and spirit-filled mission.