MKCA, USA Celebrates Christmas – 2024

By Stany DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

December 14, Chicago:  The Mangalorean Konkan Christian Association celebrated its 20th annual Christmas Celebration at St. Hubert’s Church Hall at Hoffman Estates, Illinois.  In Konkani language, it is popularly called Natal Fest, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.  Christmas is celebrated by all the Christians worldwide on December 25th.  There was a general Holy Eucharist, where the MKCA members and guests attended.  The first and second readings at the Mass were read by the members of MKCA, Dominick Carrabotta and Savio Pais. 

 

The Cultural program was initiated by the welcome note from the President of MKCA, Leonard Lobo Shenoy.  In his welcome address, he presented the agenda of the program and meaning of Kuswar and traditions followed in greater Mangalorean areas back in India.  He thanked members and guests for their staunch support in the success of several annual programs.  He thanked the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Tom Abraham for providing us with the venue. He elicited their comments and suggestions in improving the quality of the future programs.  He thanked organizing committee members for their unconditional support in organizing this Nathal Fest. 

 

The compeer of the program and current Secretary of the Association Savio Pais welcomed all the audience to have the appetizers.  All of them enjoyed the ethnic appetizers. 

Savio conducted several group activities for children, couples and adults.  The children presented their spirited participation while adults relieved their younger age!  The members and children present sang Christmas Carols.  The grand entry of Santa Claus (Austin Prabhu) thrilled the young children present.  Santa entertained the children present with Christmas gifts.  The audience present were excited to take pictures with Santa.

 

Savio Pais thanked all the organizing committee for their relentless support in the success of the program.  He recognized all the members who supported in preparing Christmas Kuswar under the leadership of the Vice President Charel Alsamurrai.

 

The program culminated with a sumptuous ethnic dinner.  Under effective DJing by Queenie Mendonca, the audience enjoyed the dance to the tunes of Konkani, Hindi, Kannada and Spanish songs.