Media Release
Bengaluru, Sep 15: The Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations (FKCA) celebrated FKCA Family Day and Monti Fest, at the Konkan Samudai Bhavan, Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru on Sunday September 11.
The day’s event commenced with the showering of flowers to Mother Mary and blessing of the new corn with hymns and prayers in honour of our Lady followed by Holy Mass offered by Fr Francis Assisi Almeida, the spiritual director of FKCA.
The liturgy, offertory arrangements and choir was organised beautifully by KONCAB, led by Vincent D’Souza, KONCAB president. After the Mass service, the blessed ‘Noveim’ was distributed to all.
The FKCA cultural secretary Anitha Gomes organised the social programme. It was compered professionally by Jackson Mendonca. A wonderful welcome dance was performed by Stenita Louis, invoking God’s blessings.
Silvian Noronha, chairman of FKCA welcomed the gathering and expressed his joy in celebrating FKCA Family Day-cum-Monthi Fest, with the community members. The chairman in his welcome speech acknowledged the past chairmen/chairperson for their tireless contribution and sacrifice to make FKCA a strong organization. He also acknowledged the fact that without the help and commitment of the associations and their respective leadership, this programme would not have been possible.
The cultural programme included a dance by Nishmitha Sequeira and singing by Walter Lobo. Other programmes included spot games, housie housie. FKCA vice chairman Robert Cutinha then spoke about the contribution by Irene Sequeira and Lawrence D’Souza to the Konkani community. They were honoured by the managing council led by Fr Francis Assisi Almeida and chairman Silvian Noronha.
The vote of thanks was proposed by the general secretary Anthony Gonsalves. He thanked Silvian Noronha and the office bearers of FKCA, The presidents and office bearers of the respective members of the Konkani associations and Dr Edward Anand D’Souza the past chairman for all his support and coordination. He thanked Fr Francis Assisi Almeida, the sponsors Hilma Roche and Silvian Noronha, KONCAB for their great support and Sylvester D’Souza, the chairman of Konkan Welfare Trust (KWT).
Fr Francis Assisi Almedia led the closing prayer and grace before meals.
Anthony Gonsalves Crystal Caterers arranged for the traditional delicious Noveim Jevann lunch.
The FKCA was established as an apex umbrella body of all Konkani Catholic Associations was intended to espouse the cause of the Konkani Catholics and fight for safeguarding the interests of the community, their language, culture, and also to represent the Konkani community at political and government levels has grown to be a reputed organization, with as many as 33 associations, including those from several foreign countries.