The Mangalorean Konkan Christian Association (MKCA), USA®, celebrated Easter with its unique cultural presentation of Konkani Mass with Konkani hymns sung by the MKCA choir. The guests were received with warm welcome at the reception by Godwin Rego. The Easter Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Francis D’Souza and Rev. Fr. Henry Sequeira by lighting of Easter Candle. Although Mass was little long, the worshippers witnessing this holy ceremony of blessing the Holy Water, Fire, and Incense were enthused with renowned spirit to hear the creation of the universe by the Lord Almighty. The Altar Servers Shannon Mascarenhas and Shawn D’Souza helped the priests in their service. At the end of the Mass, Fr. Francis and Fr. Henry wished the devotees a Happy Easter.

The devotees gathered were inspired by the Altar décor and the overall decorations of the Hall, which was arranged by Jossie Mendonca and team. With the conclusion of the Mass, all the participants savored the typical Mangalorean style snacks. There was open bar to enjoy the Easter spirit arranged by Lance Dias and Jossie Mendonca. Mr. Stany D’Souza, the President of MKCA initiated the social program with his welcome speech. Mr. D’Souza in his welcome speech stressed the issue how culture plays a predominant role in engraving the finer qualities in carving out a personality in Mangalorean Konkan Christians here in America. He stated that the availability of resources that we enjoy here clubbed with presentation of Mangalorean culture will provide us and our children and grandchildren with better prospects and all-round growth. He also announced that there will be “Konkan Fest – 2006” on June 17th where MKCA will hold various competitions and variety entertainment. In furtherance of this program he stated that there will be singing competition and fancy dress competitions for various age groups. 

This was followed by the majestic arrival of Easter Bunny. All children were thrilled to see the Easter Bunny waving at them and their eyes were sparkling with joy to receive Eater Gift from the Easter Bunny, presented by Gwayne Rego. The unique Easter gifts were hand picked by Rose Mascarenhas. It was a beautiful sight to see the children hugging their Easter gifts and showcasing them to each others.

The Membership Committee Chairperson Lawrence Mascarenhas introduced the participants the annual Membership Drive Program. He stressed that during Konkan Fest there will be Mangalorean Food competition called “Taste of Mangalore” along with other competitions. He also stressed that all Mangaloreans, who love their culture should be there to enjoy the variety of unique Mangalorean dishes and guaranteed that there will be lot of fun during this program for all age groups. Each family present enjoyed having the Holy water provided to them in tiny bottles. The holy water distribution was arranged by Loretta Rodrigues and Edna Mascarenhas.

All the participants’ taste buds were quite active when the compere announced that the Mangalorean style dinner with Dukra (pork) maas (meat) and Sanna are ready. The participants really enjoyed the great taste of variety of menu items and desert. This wonderful dinner presentation was arranged by Lance Dias and Mark Rodrigues from Sher-E-Punjab restaurant. Dukra maas and sannaas were prepared by Loretta Rodrigues and Edna Mascarenhas respectively. 

The formal program was officially concluded with Vote of Thanks by Vinod Menezes, Secretary of MKCA. He thanked Mark Rodrigues, the Chair person of the program. He also thanked all the committee members and guests for their wonderful contribution in the success of this program.

This program was concluded with big-bang by guests running to the dance floor to swing their steps to their favorite dance numbers, which were presented in Hindi, Konkani, Spanish and English songs. There were Kannada songs presented by the DJ, Anil D’Souza during the program to commemorate the great Kannada legendary actor Dr. Raj Kumar, who passed away recently.

The program was beautifully compeered by Allen Martis. The participants thanked the organizers for such a wonderful presentation.