MKCA Celebrates EasterFest – 2017
Chicago: As the 2.2 billion Christians were poised to celebrate Easter, the Mangalorean Konkan Christian Association celebrated its Easter with great pomp at Courtland Square Club House in Des Plaines, Illinois. After the Holy Week, all Christians worldwide celebrate Easter. The meaning of Easter is Jesus Christ’s victory over death. His resurrection symbolizes the eternal life that is granted to all who believe in Him.It was a wonderful break for Chicagoans weather-wise and it seemed like the month of June. It was warm and pleasant and was a good welcome sign for Easter celebrations.
The celebration was initiated with a mass offered by Fr Henry Sequeira. Mass was initiated with burning incense and lighting of Easter Candle. There was also the blessing of Holy Water. Fr Sequeira in his powerful sermon presentation reminded the devotees present that Christ gave his life as a sign of His greatest love to humanity. He said the resurrection of Jesus is conquer or life over death. He compared His life to the fable of bird Phoenix and said with the His resurrection he gave the gift of eternal life to the humanity. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated in Konkani with hymns in Konkani and English, headed by MKCA choir group. The music to the Choir was provided by Concy Mesquita (Piano), Suraj Mesquita (Flute) and Sarah Mathias (Violin). All the attendees exchanged Easter greetings with each other with hugs, kisses and handshakes.
The MKCA President, Vissia D’Souza welcomed the guests and the members present. She introduced MKCA executive committee and the event Chairpersons –Sal and Florine Rodrigues.All the participants enjoyed the ethnic snacks and open bar. This was followed by games for children and adults conducted by Crystal Rodrigues and Queenie Mendonca. Children’s game, Easter Bunny Hop: Winner – Rayaan D’Souza. Women, Pick a Jelly Bean – Dr Merlyn D’Souza and Men, Pick a Jelly Bean – Ullas D’Souza. Open to all Jelly Bean Count: Winner – Suman Mathias.
All the children were thrilled to see the arrival of Easter Bunny with Easter goodie bags. The Easter Bunny entertained the children with high fives and photo shoots. All the children enjoyed the Easter Egg Hunt!
The organizers provided a sumptuous ethnic dinner arranged by Sal and Florine Rodrigues. The dinner consisted of Mangalorean menu items Dukra Maas, Sannam and Vorn.
The emcee of the program Queenie Mendonca and Crystal Rodrigues entertained the crowd and made this program a memorable one. For making this program a great success, Florine Rodrigues thanked the guests and members, for their enthusiastic participation and help extended to the organizers.
All the participants danced to the tunes of Konkan, Spanish, Hindi and English songs provided by D.J. Joey Mendonca.