From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Dec 25: The Konkani Christians of Mysore, who have formed themselves into a reagistered body under the banner of Konkani Christian Association, Mysore, had a gala Christmas celebration with a solemn mass in Konkani in their newly built ''Konkan Bhavan” building.
The celebrations held on the previous Sunday of Christmas to enable the members to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ the Saviour with their family members and loved ones in their homes, began with the mass in Konkani with Rev Fr Praveen D’Souza as the main celebrant.
The members thanked the Lord for his blessings showered throughout the year on the Association and sought graces towards the completion of "Konkan Bhavan” building.
The mass was followed by a cultural evening and X’mas celebration.
A special tribute to the last king of Mysore, Srikantadatta Wodeyar, was offered.
The cultural programme by the members and their children spread the message of brotherhood, love and unity. Even the religious brothers of Kripalaya and Prabhodhana gave performances and enhanced the success of the cultural event.
The guests of honour, Anil Rego, Director – Marketing & Sponsorship of Entreprenet -2014, a global convention for Entrepreneurs, and Robinson D’Souza, immediate past president of Kanara Entrepreneurs, Bangalore, urged Mysore Christians to join hands with all entrepreneurs from Kanara region throughout the world.
Chief Guest, Aida D Cunha, Chairperson of Federation of Konkani Catholic Association (FKCA), enlightened the youth about the promising future and various fields after education and encouraged them to join politics and administration services like IAS, IPS, KAS etc.
Gracian Rodrigues, President, in his welcome address, thanked the members and well-wishers of the Association for their constant
support. He also made an earnest appeal for more support towards the completion of Konkan Bhavan.
He mentioned that 70 % of the 11000 sq ft is already built and is hopeful that the building will be completed in another 6 months.
There were more than 650 members who attended the programme.
John William D’Souza, Secretary, proposed a vote of thanks.