Chicago: Steven D'Souza elected president of MKCA

Report: Stany G D'Souza

Chicago (USA), Feb 17: It was not business as usual at the general body meeting conducted by the Mangalorean Konkan Christians association (MKCA) at Techny Mission Center.  The elections were held to the executive committee and thereafter there was celebration of Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr Richard Vaz, SVD.
 
The meeting was called to order by the president Godwin Rego. After the secret ballot elections, Fr  Vaz announced the new executive committee chosen by the general body.

He announced the election of following members for new executive committee: President – Steven D’Souza; vice-president – Ashok Monteiro; secretary – Roshni Carvallo; associate secretary – Stany D’Souza and treasurer – Mercy Concesso.
 
Following members were chosen for the board of directors:  Austin D’Souza Prabhu, Lawrence Mascarenhas, Queenie Mendonca, Francis Mascarenhas, Prima Monteiro, Lincoln Pereira, Lin Martis, Theresa D’Souza, Vissia D’Souza and Eric Fernandes.

Fr Vaz congratulated the newly elected members and wished them well.
 
The outgoing president Godwin Rego, thanked his executive committee and all the members for their unconditional support in successfully conducting number of programs in the past two years’ term.  The incoming president, Steven D’Souza, thanked all the members present for their support and their trust in his leadership.  He praised the past executive committee for their excellent service to the community.  He  further stated that with the help of the members unique strengths, his committee will work hard in taking the association to new heights.
 
The new executive committee with its members present decided to have following programs for the year 2014:  Annual Retreat – April 6; Special Fund Raising Event (event yet to be finalized) – June 21; Annual Picnic – August 2; Monthi Fest – September 6; Christmas Around the World – December 6 and Nathal Fest – December 20.
 
The meeting was followed by the celebration of Holy Eucharist at the Techny Mission Center. Fr Vaz, in his homily said, “I wish to recognize the spirit that I witnessed in each one of you, the spirit of revival, commitment, dedication and above all to work together in moving ahead with all optimism to make MKCA truly a welcoming family to all. “If you want to walk fast, go alone; if you want to walk far go together”. Let us walk together, crossing all the barriers, covering long distance…just to be with our brothers and sisters”. He also mentioned how Jesus Christ suffered the ultimate humility a human being can ever think of and gave everything that he had, to the salvation of the humanity.
 
It was a graceful event, filled with renewed spirit, enthusiasm and hopes to take the MKCA to the greater heights.