KCWA Hyderabad – THE DREAM COME TRUE

For several years, the Kanara Catholics in Hyderabad had been making ardent efforts to build a unified community and identity of their own people. They would not let go of an opportunity to meet and get to know their fellow Catholics from the Kanaras. Even on small occasions, they would ensure that they invited as many Kanara Catholics as they knew. And, when there was no reason to have a get-together, they would think of a potluck meal.

The process of forming the association was set underway by the participants during one such potluck dinner on October 11th, 1998, at the residence of Lt. Col. Victor D’Souza at Sainikpuri which was attended by about 30 Mangaloreans. The dream to start the organisation finally began on this day thanks to Rev. Fr. Henry D’Souza and Mr. Stany Mendonca who were on the forefront then to bring all the Kanara Catholics of Hyderabad together under one banner.

On the 15th Nov 1998, seven members met at St. Francis Girls High School, Secunderabad, and decided to call another meeting of a larger number on 29th Nov 1998 at the residence of Mr. Vincent D’Mello at Maredpally. About 25 Kanara Catholics drawn from different parishes of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad attended this meeting.

This committee took upon itself the responsibility of building a greater community. Each of the members single-mindedly went around the twin cities inviting all the community members that they knew for a get-together on January 24th, 1999. 

An impressive number of about 400 people gathered at St. Francis Girls High School, Secunderabad for a day-long program which started with a Holy Mass in amchi bhaas Konkani concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Henry DSouza, Rev Fr. Lancy Menezes and Rev. Fr. Jerry Sequeira. This was a shot in the arm for all those who have been working hard to build the association.

After having put the process of community building on course, Mr. Rex Thomas Prabhu decided to pass the mantle on to somebody younger. So, on February 12th, 1999, the Executive Committee was reconstituted with Mr. Bernard Mascarhenas as President and Mr. Noel D’Silva as Vice President respectively with Rev. Fr. Henry D’Souza as the Spiritual Advisor, which continued until the General Body meeting on September 5th, 1999.