News and pics: Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (EP)

Mumbai, Sep 27: Konkani Catholic Association Nallasopara (KCA) in St Francis De Sales Church at Central Park at Nallasopara East Mumbai suburbs celebrated the birth anniversary of Mother Mary along with new harvest on Sunday, Sep 7.

Fr Baptist D' Souza, spiritual director and chief priest of St Francis De Sales Church blessed the statue of Mother Mary and the corn and distributed it among devotees. He blessed the candles and set the feast of harvest in motion.

Devotees brought the decorated statue of Mother Mary. children and devotees worshiped Mother Mary. Fr Francis D'Souza (SVD), Vasai
offered the holy mass and blessed the new paddy, grains, cereals and vegetable and added glaze to the celebrations.

"The feast denotes fraternity. It proclaims unity of families. Those who are away from their homes for different reasons, come to their home towns and celebrate the feast along with their neighbors. The celebration will be fruitful when we forgive members of our families, relatives and neighbors. Let us follow those principles and make our lives enjoyable," said Fr Baptist.

A cultural programme was held under the leadership of KCA president Harry B Cutinho Mundkooru in the school hall. The crop oriented programme was set in motion after traditional prayers by Fr S Kinaliya. He said that peaceful life was possible by forgiveness and stressed the need for life free from jealousy and cheating. "If we live a life of coexistence, giving up pride, it will be possible to be happy," he said.

"We should inculcate the qualities of Mother Mary in our lives. All the children are equal to mother. So the life being sincere to the mother will be worth living, he said while setting in motion the programme of consuming new harvest," he added.

KCA treasurer Alwyn F D'Souza and executive committee members Lilly Quadros, Enes D'Souza, Richard Pinto, John Alva, Leena Pereira, Hilda D'Souza, Lavina D'Souza, Leena Lobo, Rony Pais, Violet Moraes, Nancy D'Souza, Romeo, Royston Kaka, Rose Mary, Lucy Noronha and other members were present. They had worked hard for the success of the programme. 

Association vice president Gracy Pinto welcomed the gathering. Harry B Cutinho in his introductory speech explained why we should celebrate the feast, the importance of the feast and what should be our message to the next generation. Secretary Claud D'Silva proposed the vote of thanks.