Media Release
Bangalore, Aug 3: Edward D'Souza was unanimously elected chairman of the Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations (FKCA) for the period 2014-2015 during its 17th annual general meeting held at Konkan Bhavan, Bangalore on Sunday August 3.
Arun Fernandes and Albert D'Souza were also elected unanimously as the general secretary and treasurer respectively for the forthcoming term.
The FKCA, which was established as the apex boy of all Konkani Catholic Associations to espouse the cause the Konkani Catholics and fight for safeguarding the interests of the community, their language and culture, has grown to be a big organization with as many 31 associations, including those from several foreign countries affiliated to it.
The meeting was well attended by its association members. The meeting began with prayers by Fr William Miranda.
Aida Margaret D’Cunha, chairperson of FKCA welcomed the gathering. In her address, she gave an update of various activities conducted by FKCA during the year 2013-14 and acknowledged the support extended by the executive committee and others from member associations.
The minutes of the last AGM and the accounts for the previous financial year 2013-14 were presented by general secretary Irene D’Souza and treasurer Ronald Cutinha respectively and the same were approved by all the members present.
Presidents of various member associations recounted the activities of the Federation in the past yea and their respective associations, and appreciated the efforts and service of chairperson Aida.
Fr William Miranda former spiritual director conducted the election.
The following are the office-bearers of the FKCA (2014-2015):
Chairman - Victor Edward D’Souza
General secretary – Arun Fernandes
Vice-chairman 1 - Alwyn Mendonca
Vice-chairman 2 – Dolphy D’Cunha
Treasurer - Albert D’Souza
Joint secretary 1 – Nelson D’Souza
Joint secretary 2 - Anup Saldanha
Cultural secretary: Leena Lobo
Sports secretary - Norbert D’Sa
Legal advisor - Anand Edward D’Souza
Media manager 1 – Godwin Castelino
Media manager 2 – Jayvanth Miranda
Spiritual director - Fr Richard Menezes
In his address, Edward D’Souza thanked all the members for their total support and cooperation. He recalled the services of the past chairmen Henry Pinto, Austin Roach, Brigadier Jerry Gonsalves, Charles Gomes, Valerian Fernandes and the immediate past chairperson Aida Margaret D’Cunha and thanked them for their selfless service towards the Federation and Konkani community at large. He pledged to work towards the betterment of the community.
Fr Richard Menezes, the new spiritual director concluded the AGM meeting with a thanksgiving prayer and hymn sung to Mother Mary. After this, all the participants spent a wonderful time with one another sharing the fellowship meal.