Report by Janet D\u2019souza
Photographs by Ivan Lobo<\/p>\n\n\n\n
COVID-19 is one of the most calamitous threats the world\nhas ever experienced or faced. The world\nand its people plunged into depths of despair, unbearable loss, perilous uncertainty,\nand crisis. And yet, amidst these\ncataclysmic times, we saw strong signs of hope, resilience, solidarity, and a\nneed for togetherness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One such beacon of hope is the Mangalorean Association of\nCanada (MAC). Recognizing the need for a community to come together to\ncelebrate new beginnings and a new normal, MAC, with renewed vigor and\nenthusiasm and within the parameters of the pandemic health guidelines, celebrated\nMonthi Fest Mass on September 12, 2021 at St Maximilian Kolbe Parish,\nMississauga. Monthi Fest or the Nativity\nof our Lady has been an integral celebration in our lives, evoking wistful\nmemories and nostalgia of a rich tradition and solemn customs such as blessing\nof the rice grains, aromatic fresh flowers, organic vegetables and families bonding\nover a vegetarian meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
John D\u2019Souza, our versatile Cultural Coordinator, welcomed\nthe gathered congregation and summarized the flow of the religious\nceremonies. Gerry D\u2019Mello, an ardent\nsupporter of MAC officiated the traditional, visually eye-catching flower offering\nritual. Young children, each carrying a\nbeautiful flower walked in a procession and placed their offering in honour of\nMother Mary to the resonating tunes of \u201cSokkod Sangatha Mellyam\u201d and \u201cMoriyek\nHogolsiyan\u201d. The main celebrant of the Mass,\nFr. Roshan D\u2019Souza, transported the faithful to the days of their youth in\nhometowns in India simply by virtue of his poignant yet commanding voice. Fr. Henry Alva, with his impassioned homily\nfilled us with hope for a better future and spiritual enlightenment. Fr.\nAndrew Lewis and Deacon Sarfraz Pinto were co-celebrants of this Mass. The melodious choir, led by the supremely\ntalented Merlyn Rodrigues, sang from the depths of their hearts thrilling every\nsingle listener with their melody and arrangements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our sponsors are our pillars, our source of encouragement\nand motivation. Their sponsorship helps\nto sustain and fund numerous community activities and events. The Mass Muddhom was offered by Vincent and\nPrescilla Machado and family who are and continue to be committed supporters of\nMAC. Numerous sponsors stepped forward without\nhesitation and generously championed Monthi Fest and contributed both towards\nthe Mass and the scholarship awards. As\na gesture of respect and appreciation to our sponsors, MAC distributed blessed\ncandles to all the sponsors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
MAC unequivocally agrees that education is of paramount\nimportance in developing a global perspective, building and articulating opinions,\nshaping new technologies and exploring opportunities beyond imagination. The\nyouth of our community are our legacy and an investment in this legacy is immeasurable. The MAC Scholarship Program awards two first\nyear entrants into university or college a sum of money based on several criteria\nsuch as academics, extra curricular activities, volunteer work, awards, and\nwork experience. The 2021 winners of the\nScholarship Program were Seneca Rego and Jane D\u2019Souza, both incredibly talented\nyoungsters with a great and bright future. \nSeneca Rego was awarded CAD 1000 and the award was presented by Flavian\nand Miriam Pinto. Jane D\u2019Souza was\nawarded CAD 500 and the award was presented by Reginald and Mary Fernandes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Monthi Fest Mass ended with the distribution of\nNovenm to all families, chocolates for the children and light refreshments for\nall attendees. Our sincere appreciation\nto the committee members, their families and the selfless volunteers who came\ntogether in camaraderie and harmony demonstrating the power of hope, courage,\nperseverance, and community spirit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Click below for pictures:<\/p>\n\n\n\n