April 14, 2018
“There should be a parallel between our supplications, and our thanksgivings. We ought not to leap in prayer, and limp in praise. Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them is the true measure of our thanksgiving.”
The celebration of thanksgiving, is a meaningful Catholic tradition, deeply rooted in gratitude and reflection, to praise the Lord with feast and song, to acknowledge and appreciate with thankfulness of the heart, his bountiful gifts and blessings for us, our family, and our community. May we also be strengthened with the understanding that being blessed does not always necessarily mean we are spared of all the difficulties and disappointments of life. In keeping with the tradition of thanksgiving, the KCA Annual Thanksgiving Mass and Dinner, which was held on April 14, 2018, was celebrated by over 200 Members, their families, and friends, at the premises of KCA, Mumbai.
The Holy Mass, a solemn act of thanksgiving, was offered by Bishop Percival Fernandez, to celebrate the many blessings this community institution, in the past and present, has bestowed upon its community of Members. In his homily, Bishop Percival Fernandez, emphasised upon the relevance of thanksgiving – the positive values and attitude, it imbibes in us, our family, and our community; the role of communal harmony in forging peace, unity, and fellowship; and the need to truly be torch bearers in working collaboratively to build and sustain this 117 year old community institution.
At the conclusion of the Thanksgiving Mass, high tea was served for Members, their families, and friends at the Ground Floor Hall. In keeping with the spirit of thanksgiving, and in showing gratitude and appreciation, the President of KCA, Mumbai, Mr. Sunil Alva, invited individually on stage, all the erstwhile and present Members of the Managing Council, Sub-Committees, and Staff, and personally thanked them for working in unison and fellowship, for their valuable contribution, in building on the vision of our Founder Members, in reviving and reshaping the rich legacy of service and outreach initiatives, this community institution, envisages for its Members, and the community, at large.
The latest issue of Amchi Khobor, i.e., Vol. 3, Issue No. 1, our quarterly news magazine, with its theme based on ‘Love..Justice..Peace‘ was released jointly by Ms. Flavia Agnes (Co-Founder and Director of Majlis (Legal Centre for Women), and an eminent Indian Women’s Rights Lawyer) and Ms. Meera Joshi (granddaughter of the former President of KCA, Mumbai, Justice Mark S Noronha). A literary tribute, by Dr. Kranti Farias, and Dr. Jeanette Pinto, to the life, works, and contribution of Justice Mark S Noronha, and Ms. Flavia Agnes, is featured in the latest issue of the Amchi Khobor.
The ‘One Man Band cum DJ’, Kenneth Joseph, kicked off the merriment for the evening with his live performances and vocals, quickly transforming the ambiance into a celebratory atmosphere. The Compere for the evening conducted games and other cultural activities, for both children and adults, offering enjoyable moments to one and all, and spot gifts were given away as prizes.
Amidst the celebrations, a galore of vegetarian and non-vegetarian appetizers, and beverages was served to the gathering. Later, as the evening of celebration wore on, the gathering collectively stood up to say Grace before partaking in the traditional thanksgiving dinner, where a spread of sumptuously prepared Mangalorean cuisine and delicacies, courtesy ‘Delicious Caterers’, awaited Members, their families, and friends.
The Cultural and Recreation Team takes this opportunity to express, in a special way, its appreciation to all those who have taken time off their schedule, to be a part of the Annual Thanksgiving Mass and Dinner at KCA, Mumbai. May the spirit of thanksgiving rest with each of you, and the essence of this joyful occasion transcend your lives, your family, your home with blessings and happiness.
Cultural and Recreation Team
