Mysuru Sept 7, 2024: The Konkani Christian Association (KCA) of Mysuru celebrated the annual Harvest Feast and the Nativity of Blessed Mother Mary on Saturday, 7th September 2024, at their prominent venue, Konkan Bhavan in Vijayanagar 2nd Stage, Mysuru. The event was marked by a deep sense of devotion and community spirit, drawing over 500 Konkani residents from Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, and Kodagu districts.

The celebration began at 9:30 AM with the traditional offering of flowers to Infant Mary by the congregation, followed by the blessing of the new sheaves of grain by Rev. Fr. Prashanth Noronha during a solemn procession. The blessed grain, a symbol of gratitude for the new harvest, was then brought forth for the Konkani Thanksgiving Mass.

The Holy Eucharist was led by Rev. Fr. Archibald Gonsalves, the Vicar Provincial of the Karnataka and Goa Carmelite Province, accompanied by 12 concelebrating priests from various denominations. Rev. Fr. Wilson D’costa introduced the significance of the feast, while Rev. Fr. Praveen Aranha delivered a heartfelt homily, emphasizing the virtues of Blessed Mother Mary and urging the faithful to honor and respect their own mothers in her likeness.

At the conclusion of the Mass, the blessed sheaves of grain were distributed among the attendees, and traditional payasa (vorn) was served to mark the harvest feast.

Honoring Community Excellence
The celebration also served as a platform to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the community. A group of 40 Senior Executive Committee Members were honored for their dedicated service to the KCA. The ‘Prathiba Puraskar’ was awarded to 50 outstanding students for their academic excellence, ranging from SSLC to Ph.D., MBBS, LLM, and more. Among the honorees were 2 gold medalists in MBBS, 2 in LLB and LLM, 1 in MBA, and 3 Ph.D. recipients. Special recognition was also given to Walter D'souza, a Bocce Game champion with special abilities.

The awards were presented by Rev. Fr. Archibald Gonsalves, who congratulated the students with certificates, shawls, garlands, and mementos. The names of the honorees were announced by Joint Secretary Sylvester D’Mello, while Vice President Stany Lobo acknowledged the Senior Executive Committee Members for their contributions.

Generosity and Social Outreach
On this auspicious occasion, Pramila Monis, Joint Secretary, announced a donation of Rs. 46,000/- for a projector and screen to the Government Higher Primary School, Hundi Beedhi, Hinkal, providing much-needed resources for the intellectual development of the students. Additionally, a scholarship fund of Rs. 1,80,000/- was distributed to underprivileged students, regardless of religion or caste, to support their educational endeavors.

Words of Praise
The Chief Guest lauded the KCA for its unwavering unity, charitable efforts, and commitment to community development. He expressed admiration for the association’s initiatives that go beyond supporting the Konkani Christian community to benefit the wider society.

Program Highlights

• John William D’souza, President of KCA, delivered an inspiring Presidential Address.
• General Secretary Joyce Sequeira warmly welcomed the gathering.
• Treasurer Anil Saldanha offered a vote of thanks.
• The event was skillfully compered by Meena Dias, Vice President of KCA.

The celebration concluded with a traditional vegetarian lunch, prepared and served by the association, bringing the joyous day to a fitting close.