CHICAGO: As the Christians are in festive mood globally on the occasion of Christmas, the Mangalorean Konkan Christians Association (MKCA) presented its prestigious 12thChristmas program, at Sher-E-Punjab Banquet Hall in Downers Grove, a southwest suburb of Chicago.
Although the evening was muggy, rainy and cold, people from around the Chicagoland area ventured to join together and share their joy and happiness with each other. The organizers unleashed fun-packed activities, which prompted everyone from toddlers to the aged to hit the dance floor.
The program began with celebration of Holy Eucharist which was conducted in Konkani and in English. The MKCA choir members sung Konkani and English hymns under the leadership of Dorothy Rego. The Homily was delivered by Rev. Fr. Cyril Fernandes, who inspired the devotees to share the Peace and Joy with those who are in great need.
The President of the association Godwin Rego welcomed all the guests, well-wishers and members present. He thanked his executive committee in successfully conducting several programs during his tenure.
The compeer of the program, Vissia D’Souza, invited the audience to savor the typical Indian appetizers and the open bar, courtesy MKCA. The program was followed by activities for the young and old conducted by the current Secretary of the Association Steven D’Souza. The President Godwin Rego, distributed prizes to the winners of the activities and door prize winner.
As a hallmark of the program, children and adults sang Christmas Carols. As the Christmas carols were concluded, there was grand arrival of Santa Claus (Steven D’Souza), to the tunes of “Jingle Bells”. The arrival of Santa sent electric waves among children. They were all mesmerized and happy to receive gifts from Santa Claus.
The General Secretary of the Association and the Chairperson of the program, Steven D’Souza, thanked all the audience present for their gracious presence and all those who prepared the Kuswar items. The sumptuous typical Indian dinner with never-to-miss Dukra Maas (pork meat) and Sannam (idli) was served along with desert.
The organizers sold the Kuswar packets for a nominal price as also the typical Mangalorean style Christmas goodies, prepared by the Members of MKCA. The proceeds of this sale was earmarked for the Philippines’ Typhoon victims. As usual the attendees hit the dance floor for the musical tunes of Konkani, English, Spanish and Hindi songs presented by the D.J. Joey Mendonca.
Harish Rao
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