“Life has a way of constantly coming at us. Day, hours, and moments are filled with urgent demands requiring our immediate attention. When the demands of life leave us rushing from place to place with scarcely a moment to spare, we may fail to pause and thank our Creator for His gifts. But, whenever we neglect to give proper thanks to the Father, we suffer because of our misplaced priorities.“
The Annual Thanksgiving Mass and Dinner, on April 22, 2017, was well attended by more than 200 Members, their families, friends, and children at the premises of KCA, Mumbai. It served as a time for remembrance and communal thanksgiving, an opportunity for our community to come together in fellowship, invoke reflection of gratitude, and celebrate the many blessings this community institution, in the past and present, has bestowed upon its community of Members.
The Mass, a solemn act of thanksgiving, was celebrated by our KCA Member, Bishop Percival Fernandez, who in his homily, elaborated upon the broader significance of thanksgiving, and stressed to those in attendance, the call to fight forces of disunity and disharmony, to sink personal differences in the larger interest of the institution and its community, to work ceaselessly within and outside the community, to be torch bearers of peace, communal harmony, and solidarity in taking forward this 116 year old institution.
At the conclusion of the Thanksgiving Mass, the President of KCA, Mumbai, Mr. Sunil Alva gave a brief presentation highlighting the initiatives and progress by the Managing Council. Since the new team was elected in October 2015, 18-months into its 3 year-term, April 2017 marked an apt moment to do a ‘mid-term review’. He provided a 360-degree review of the various aspects of our institution, including the work of the sub-committees, the community services run by the KCA as well as other aspects like our newsletter / website, legal / finance matters, building repairs and other organizational matters.
He reiterated the commitment of this Managing Council to the philosophy of transparency, and vision to further enhance the outreach, credibility, and reputation of the Association. He encouraged members to provide suggestions and come forward to help in making the Association relevant to the needs and demands of the current times, whilst also respecting its rich culture, heritage, and history.
Bishop Percival Fernandez inaugurated and blessed the ‘Sports and Fitness Centre’, in the presence of the Managing Council, the Sports Sub-Committee, and those in attendance at the Annual Thanksgiving Mass and Dinner. Sports & Fitness is launched as another Community Service of the KCA, thereby, expanding to members and others, the offerings of a well-equipped Fitness Centre, badminton, table tennis, carrom, scrabble, yoga, dance etc., with the hope that this ‘Sports and Fitness Centre’ will be an asset for those aspiring to further their sporting ambitions as well as those who simply want to keep fit!
(For more details on the Sports & Fitness Centre, click here)
In keeping with the spirit of thanksgiving, and showing gratitude to the stalwarts of our community and institution, a floral tribute was paid to the portrait of our Founder President, Hon’ble Dr. Major Cajetan Fernandez MD, JP., by Mrs. Helen Saldanha, Ms. Christine Saldanha, Mr. Robin Saldanha, Dr. Rui Fernandez (direct family members of the Founder President) and Dr. Kranti Farias. A literary tribute, by Dr. Kranti Farias, to the life, works, and contribution of the Founder President to this institution and community is featured in the latest issue of the ‘Amchi Khobor’.
The latest issue of ‘Amchi Khobor’, our quarterly newsletter, which carries useful and interesting information about our community, our history and our heritage, besides updates on happenings at KCA, Mumbai, was released by Mr. Neville Mascarenhas, Senior Member of the KCA and former Vice-President of the Association. You can download the latest issue of Amchi Khobor by clicking here
The Music Band ‘Two Girls and a Guitar’, kicked off the merriment for the evening with their live performance, vocal and dancing skills, and plethora of beautiful songs; encouraging the gathering to sing and dance along! There was much singing, dancing, bonhomie and fun, with the crowd soaking in the atmosphere of an evening filled with camaraderie and fellowship.
As the evening wore on in celebration, it was time to partake in the traditional Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Dr. Kranti Farias led the gathering in the Grace before Meals, and counters were set up where beverages and a banquet consisting mainly of Mangalorean delicacies was served. Ms. Jessie Vaz, Managing Council Member, proposed a Vote of Thanks.
The Cultural and Recreation team takes this opportunity to express its appreciation to all those who took time away from their busy schedules, to be a part of this annual event at KCA, Mumbai, for the presence of each and every one made the evening truly memorable. May the spirit of thanksgiving rest with each of you and the true essence of this joyful occasion transcend your lives, your family, your home with countless blessings and happiness.
Cultural and Recreation Team
