Report by Janet D’souza
Photographs by Ivan Lobo

COVID-19 is one of the most calamitous threats the world has ever experienced or faced.  The world and its people plunged into depths of despair, unbearable loss, perilous uncertainty, and crisis.  And yet, amidst these cataclysmic times, we saw strong signs of hope, resilience, solidarity, and a need for togetherness. 

One such beacon of hope is the Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC). Recognizing the need for a community to come together to celebrate new beginnings and a new normal, MAC, with renewed vigor and enthusiasm and within the parameters of the pandemic health guidelines, celebrated Monthi Fest Mass on September 12, 2021 at St Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Mississauga.  Monthi Fest or the Nativity of our Lady has been an integral celebration in our lives, evoking wistful memories and nostalgia of a rich tradition and solemn customs such as blessing of the rice grains, aromatic fresh flowers, organic vegetables and families bonding over a vegetarian meal.

John D’Souza, our versatile Cultural Coordinator, welcomed the gathered congregation and summarized the flow of the religious ceremonies.  Gerry D’Mello, an ardent supporter of MAC officiated the traditional, visually eye-catching flower offering ritual.  Young children, each carrying a beautiful flower walked in a procession and placed their offering in honour of Mother Mary to the resonating tunes of “Sokkod Sangatha Mellyam” and “Moriyek Hogolsiyan”.  The main celebrant of the Mass, Fr. Roshan D’Souza, transported the faithful to the days of their youth in hometowns in India simply by virtue of his poignant yet commanding voice.  Fr. Henry Alva, with his impassioned homily filled us with hope for a better future and spiritual enlightenment.   Fr. Andrew Lewis and Deacon Sarfraz Pinto were co-celebrants of this Mass.  The melodious choir, led by the supremely talented Merlyn Rodrigues, sang from the depths of their hearts thrilling every single listener with their melody and arrangements. 

Our sponsors are our pillars, our source of encouragement and motivation.  Their sponsorship helps to sustain and fund numerous community activities and events.  The Mass Muddhom was offered by Vincent and Prescilla Machado and family who are and continue to be committed supporters of MAC.  Numerous sponsors stepped forward without hesitation and generously championed Monthi Fest and contributed both towards the Mass and the scholarship awards.  As a gesture of respect and appreciation to our sponsors, MAC distributed blessed candles to all the sponsors. 

MAC unequivocally agrees that education is of paramount importance in developing a global perspective, building and articulating opinions, shaping new technologies and exploring opportunities beyond imagination. The youth of our community are our legacy and an investment in this legacy is immeasurable.  The MAC Scholarship Program awards two first year entrants into university or college a sum of money based on several criteria such as academics, extra curricular activities, volunteer work, awards, and work experience.  The 2021 winners of the Scholarship Program were Seneca Rego and Jane D’Souza, both incredibly talented youngsters with a great and bright future.  Seneca Rego was awarded CAD 1000 and the award was presented by Flavian and Miriam Pinto.  Jane D’Souza was awarded CAD 500 and the award was presented by Reginald and Mary Fernandes.

The Monthi Fest Mass ended with the distribution of Novenm to all families, chocolates for the children and light refreshments for all attendees.  Our sincere appreciation to the committee members, their families and the selfless volunteers who came together in camaraderie and harmony demonstrating the power of hope, courage, perseverance, and community spirit. 

Click below for pictures:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kMpiwMStprEyxViSA

Dear all,

The Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) and all its members offer their sincere condolences on the passing away of life member and sponsor of MAC, Oswald J Saldanha (80), husband of Doris Fernandes-Saldanha, father of Sharon Saldanha, son of the late Norbert Saldanha / Elizabeth Rego-Saldanha (Kemmannu), son-in-law of the late Freddy Fernandes (Kundapur) / Kitty D’Sa-Fernandes (Kallianpur), brother of Walter Saldanha and the late Fr Richard Saldanha, passed away on September 14, 2021.

May God grant the strength and courage to his family to overcome this tragedy. Our prayers and support are with the family.

Memorial service will be announced by the Mangalorean Association of Canada at a later date.   At this time family has requested complete privacy.

To convey your condolences please click:

https://www.daijiworld.com/chan/obituaryDisplay?obituaryID=13302

Manohar Pais

President, Mangalorean Association of Canada

Ann Janice D’Souza, beloved daughter of Felix and Jacintha D’Souza, sister of Asher D’Souza, passed away on April 6, 2021.

Viewing at Funeral Home Turner & Porter, 2180 Hurontario Street, Mississaug L5B 1M8:

On Friday 9th April  from 1.30 pm to 2.30pm.

On Saturday  10th April 8.00 am to 9.00 am.

The information about Funeral Mass & Place will be announced later.

Regards,

Manohar Pais

President

Dear MAC Member / Member of the Mangalorean Community,

We are pleased to inform you that the Konkani Mass next Sunday, will be offered for the intentions of members of the Mangalorean Association of Canada.  As it being the first Sunday of lent, the service will begin at 8.30 am with Stations of the Cross followed by Mass, and will be relayed live on Facebook.

The details are as follows:

Intentions : 

(a) For the repose of the souls of Deceased MAC Members &

(b) To thank God for the enormous blessings showered on Mangalorean Community in Canada & for keeping us all safe.

Date : Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 8.30 am ( Service begins with Stations of the Cross, followed by Mass)

Main Celebrant : Rev. Fr. Roshan D’souza

Facebook link :  Konkani TV Canada (facebook.com)  (control+ Click to follow the link)

Please make it convenient to attend with all the members of your family. 

Also wishing you a holy and blessed season of Lent.

Regards,

Manohar Pais

President

Mangalorean Association of Canada

Dear Member of the Mangalorean Community,

Please be informed that during this lockdown period in November and December, a Mass in Konkani is being offered by renowned preacher and our fellow Mangalorean Rev Fr. Roshan D’souza.  This is being relayed to our community by MAC’s ever supporting Sponsor, Mr. Wilson D’Souza of SONWIL Mortgage, through his “Konkani TV” on Face Book the link for which is given below.

Mass Timings:

On Weekdays and Saturday : at 7 am

On Sunday : at 9 am

https://www.facebook.com/Konkanitvcanada/?view_public_for=1215086218565467

For further details please see the Flyer from Konkani TV.

Thanks and Regards, 

Manohar Pais

President

Mangalorean Association of Canada

The Mangalorean Association of Canada is proud to declare winners of the 2020 Educational Scholarship Program: 

1.  Jake Pereira – $1,000

2.  Aidan Mathias – $500

Education contributes to economic success, personal growth, awareness, understanding and nation-building.  The Mangalorean Association of Canada uses its resources to impact and influence the lives of students seeking higher education.  The youth in our community are an indispensable part of our future and legacy and in support of this investment, the Scholarship Program was established.

We are also grateful to the following sponsors who contributed generously to the Scholarship Award Program.

Wilson D’Souza – SonWil Finance Team

Reginald and Mary Fernandes

Leo and Precilla D’Cunha

Ronald Rego

Hyacinth and Freda DeSouza

Sanjay Vora

Also, on the eve of the Nativity of our Blessed Virgin Mary, we take this opportunity to wish you a “Happy Monthi Fest”.  Unfortunately, we could not come together as one large family to celebrate the feast this year.  Nevertheless, we hope that you will able to celebrate it with your family members at home, and pray that may Mother Mary intercede for us and help us overcome this situation soon and help our scientists to find a permanent cure to the dreadful disease, soon.

Dear all,

The Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) and all its members offer their sincere condolences on the passing away of Leena D’Mello, Mother of Sharlet/Mark Pinto, member of MAC.

May God grant the strength and courage to her family to overcome this tragedy. Our prayers and support are with the family.

Please see below funeral details:

Leena D’Mello (72), Udyavara, wife of late Gregory D’Mello, daughter of the late Valerian and Catherine D’Sa, mother of Peter / Elveera, Sharlet / Mark Pinto, Walter/Lee Ann, grandmother of Kenneth, Lawrence, Jayden and Hannah passed away on June 14, 2020.

Funeral cortege leaves residence – D’Sa Mansion, Bolar Gudde, Udyavar, to St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavara on Monday, June 15, 2020 at 3 pm, followed by funeral ceremony.

To convey your condolences please click:

https://www.daijiworld.com/chan/obituaryDisplay.aspx?obituaryID=11780