Mangalorean Konkani Christian Association, USA celebrates Christmas

Mangalorean Konkani Christian Association, USA celebrates Christmas

mangaloretoday.com

Chicago, Dec 19, 2023: The Mangalorean Konkani Christian Association celebrated its 22nd annual Christmas celebration at Ashyana Banquet Hall in Downers Grove, Illinois. In the Konkani language, Christmas is popular as "Natal Fest", which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is celebrated by 2.5 billion Christians worldwide on December 25th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The compeer of the program Savio Pais, current Secretary of MKCA, inaugurated the program. He welcomed the President of MKCA, Dr. Austin D’Souza Prabhu to present the welcome words.  The President’s address made a plea to the Christian community of the Chicagoland area to be actively involved and participate in its cultural programs organized by MKCA. He asked them to spread the word to others in the community about these programs. He thanked the organizing committee members and guests for their staunch support of the success of several annual programs. He thanked Secretary Savio for his relentless efforts in making all the past year’s programs a success.

He welcomed the newly elected office bearers, President, Pragathi Pinto; Vice President, Leonard Lobo Shenoy; Secretary, Savio Pais; Joint Secretary, Nula DeAbreo, and Treasurer, James Saldanha. Pragati in her president’s address thanked Austin for his long-standing leadership to MKCA. She assured the audience that she would do her best in promoting the MKCA Association. She asked for the support of the audience in future programs.

Savio requested readings from the missal by the members of MKCA, which were read by Sarita D’Souza and Roopa Misquita.

Pragati Pinto conducted several group activities for children and adults. The children presented their spirited participation while adults re-lived their younger days with nostalgia! All the winners were excited to receive gifts from MKCA.

The members and children present sang Christmas Carols, under the leadership of Concy Mesquita team of musicians. The grand entry of Santa Claus (Austin Prabhu) thrilled the young children present. Santa entertained the children present with Christmas gifts. The audience were excited to pose for pictures with Santa.

Savio Pais thanked the organizing committee for their relentless support in the success of the program. He thanked all the audience for their gracious participation in the program.  The program culminated with a sumptuous Mangalorean dinner. Under effective DJing by Roopa Misquita and Queenie Mendonca, the audience enjoyed dancing to the tunes of Konkani, English, Hindi, and Spanish songs.