The Kanara Catholic Welfare Association (KCWA) in Hyderabad recently marked a significant milestone with a vibrant celebration of their silver jubilee. The day-long festivities commenced with a Holy Mass at St Mary’s Chapel, where the soulful hymns in Konkani filled the air as members and their families gathered.
The celebration then shifted to a beautifully decorated venue in the adjacent seminary compound. The lively atmosphere was amplified by the emcees, Lovita Pereira and Loydon Mendonca, who kept the energy high throughout the day.
The event unfolded with a charming welcome dance by young Michelle D’Souza and Rochelle Kallam, followed by a warm welcome address by KCWA president Alwyn Menezes. A highlight of the celebration was the cutting of the silver jubilee cake by the president and past presidents, Benjamin Monteiro and Bernard Mascarenhas.
To commemorate this special occasion, a souvenir encapsulating 25 years of KCWA was released. This collector’s item was unveiled by Trevor D’Cunha, Fr Alwin Mascarenhas, Fr Lancelot Menezes, and Alwyn Menezes.
Adding a touch of nostalgia, Anju D’Silva, along with Richard D’Silva and their son Aaron, presented a captivating audio-visual journey through the past 25 years. The presentation also included a poignant tribute to deceased members, with heartfelt prayers offered in their memory. Video messages from members residing outside Hyderabad added a personal touch to the celebration.
The event also saw the launch of KCWA’s new website, www.kcwa.in, a testament to the dedication of Lawrence Monteiro and Richard Mendonce.
The afternoon was filled with laughter and camaraderie as Lovita and Loydon engaged everyone with entertaining games. From children to elders, everyone joined in the fun, with even the elders taking to the dance floor.
The spirit of community was palpable as everyone joined in singing traditional Konkani songs and the lively baila, led by Florence Mascarenhas.
A delicious Mangalurean feast, complete with the quintessential pork dish, was served, satisfying everyone’s appetites. The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by musical performances by Richard D’Silva and his band, followed by a delightful performance by the children’s band.
The celebrations extended a warm welcome to the young seminarians, who enthusiastically participated in the day’s activities, forging new friendships with the association members.
Adding to the excitement, a lucky dip draw offered a variety of exciting prizes.
In recognition of their unwavering support, the priests who serve as spiritual guides for the association were felicitated. The elders, who have been pillars of KCWA over the past 25 years, were also honored with potted plants.
The memorable day concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by KCWA general secretary Stany Mendonca.
