by Felix A. D'Souza - USA

USA, Dec 11: The India  Catholic Association (ICA) celebrated festive seasonal event on Saturday, the 8th December
at the premises of St. Alexander Church in Farmington, a town  in  south-eastern Michigan, USA.

The members of the ICA alongwith their families attended Holy Mass concelebrated by 4 priests, Rev. Frs. Paul, Charles, Ralph, the main celebrant being Rev. Fr. Ozzie Mascarenhas, S.J., Spiritual Director to the Association.  Fr. Ozzie exhorted that Christians should live up to the morals of St. John Baptist, who prepared the way for the one who was coming.  December 8 this year was relevant with each other for  the events – the Gospel  about St. John Baptist, Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary and the celebration organized by the ICA.

Several programs were held during the ensuing 3 hours after the mass – by kids, youth and adults, during which Santa Claus made his appearance and distributed presents to all the children.  The “surprise Item” dance number by Ms. Asha Carvalho and Eric Yu enthralled the gathering, followed by songs, dances, etc.  The program  was compered by  confident Fr. Ozzie ably assisted by Carlyle Carvalho and Joe  Nazareth.

The President  Ms. Nisha Meireles, Treasurer Cyril Miranda and other office bearers with the members of the sub committees had planned the program, which culminated with sumptuous dinner.

Rev. Fr.  Paul  said that ICA celebrates festive season with great fervor. “This is a festive season, for which Jesus is the reason”.  The ICA was officially  founded in the year 1981, with the adoption of a constitution, which organizes several events during the year to bring about the unity of migrants from Bombay, Goa, Mangalore and other parts in India – living in and around Detroit also other places in the State of Michigan.