KCWA Hyderabad Celebrates Nativity Feast
Hyderabad: Kanara Catholic Welfare Association (KCWA), Hyderabad celebrated the Nativity feast on 10 September 2017 at St Patrick’s High School, Secunderabad.
About 180 Mangaloreans based in Hyderabad joined in the celebrations. The congregation gathered in the school ground near the image of Maria Bambina. The celebrations began with the 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 Mama Mary. All people, led by little children showered flowers on the image of Mama 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 of the musical instruments perfectly.
Traditional ‘roce’ with blessed grains was distributed to the gathering after the mass. After a short break for refreshments. The Association members and spouses 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 the 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 the Treasurer Ronald D’Silva. There were some serious discussions and interaction during the meeting. Anita Rego delivered 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 the election process. 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
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. Sugarcane pieces were distributed to the members. 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 the KCWA may contact the association at kcwa.hydsbad@gmail.com