Media Release

Hyderabad, Sep 20: Kanara Catholic Welfare Association (KCWA), Hyderabad celebrated Nativity feast on September 10 at the St Patrick’s High School, Secunderabad. About 180 Mangaloreans based in Hyderabad joined the celebrations.

The congregation gathered in the school ground the near the image of Maria Bambina. The celebrations began with blessing of the image, the new harvest of rice grains and the gathering. Fr Stany Lobo from Bhalki parish (Bidar mission in Gulbarga diocese) officiated as the celebrant. The gathering sang Konkani hymns worshipping Mother Mary. All people, led by little children showered flowers on the image of Mother Mary, which was then taken into the hall where Fr Stany Lobo celebrated the mass in Konkani. The choir sang melodious Konkani hymns and the congregation enthusiastically joined in the singing. Children led the singing and playing the musical instruments perfectly.

Traditional ‘roce’ 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 Meeting (AGM). The guests and children entertained themselves outside where Deepika D`Souza, Rahul and Melita Abraham conducted games and competitions for children.

Vice-president Lavina D`Souza chaired the AGM. The message of president Alwyn Menezes was read out. General secretary Stany Mendonca read out the annual report, followed by the accounts report by treasurer Ronald D`Silva. There was some serious discussion and interaction with the general body.

Anita Rego proposed the Vote of Thanks. Reola Barnes was the charming compere at the celebrations.

After the AGM, the biennial elections were conducted by senior member Victor D`Souza, who officiated as the electoral officer. The below members were elected to the KCWA executive committee:

President - Alwyn Menezes
Vice-president - Richard Barnes
General secretary - Lavina D`Souza
Joint secretary - Stanley Abraham
Treasurer - Ronald D`Silva
Members - Anita Rego, Stany Mendonca, Daniel Lobo, Lawrence Monteiro, Norman Bennis and Nitin D`Souza

The association presented performance medals and certificates to meritorious students who had scored 70% and above marks in school or college or professional exams. Appreciation gifts were presented to families who had worked hard and sponsored or prepared food items for the lunch that followed the AGM. Sugar cane pieces were distributed to the members to take home. The gathering enjoyed impromptu singing and dancing after lunch. The celebration was a grand success and all enjoyed the traditional style of celebration.

Mangaloreans based in the twin cities of Hyderabad/Secunderabad who are interested in joining KCWA may contact the association at kcwa.hydsbad@gmail.com