Associations' / Institutions' News

Media Release

Canada, May 11, 2016 : Canada's premier Konkani Association 'Mangalorean Association of Canada' (MAC) will present the most spectacular evening of the year, 'MAC Social - 2016' on May 22 at The Payal Banquet and Convention Centre, Mississauga from 6.30 pm.

It will be a night of entertainment brimming with lovely music, innovative games, lots of exciting prizes, Cha-Cha competition and above all, the May Queen 2016 contest. Undoubtedly MAC Social 2016 extravaganza will be a thrilling and most memorable event with the presence of the most popular live band, The Big Foot and renowned emcee Ivan D'Lima.

Maxim D’Mello, the dynamic president of the Mangalorean Association of Canada and the vibrant cultural secretary Konkani’s ‘Ace’ Manohar Pais informed ‘Team Daijiworld Canada’ that they are extremely excited and proud to host this unique family event, MAC Social. The event will provide total entertainment to the participating families. The members of the organizing committee have worked very hard to plan this magnificent event.

They highlighted the programme details of ‘MAC Social’, an event which Mangalorean Association of Canada has been presenting for the past 15 years in Canada.

Although MAC is just seventeen years old, it is Canada's premier Mangalorean Konkani Association and in the current year 2016,it completes 15 glorious years of venturing into the much acclaimed family social event 'MAC SOCIAL'. The sole objective of this super event is to bring together various families under one roof in the spirit of oneness under the banner of love, joy and peace!

MAC, with members originating from different parts of coastal Karnataka, have unified as one family in this distant land of Canada. Their motto is 'together we can make a difference' and by organizing various spiritual, cultural, social and sports events every Mangalurean may be attracted to this wonderful organization. Its unequivocal commitment in preserving the rich Konkani language, culture and tradition and strengthening the relationship with Mangalureans in Canada is praiseworthy.

The MAC working group consists of the executive committee and functional committees comprising of MAC members whose skills and talents encompass a wide spectrum of jobs and activities. The EC is the top executive and administrative body of MAC. The EC and various functional committees are jointly accountable to ensure the smooth working of the organization. Each member takes immense pride in fulfilling the responsibility assigned. The association also has the unflinching support and spiritual guidance of Fr Edwin D’Souza, former parish-priest of Sts Martha and Mary parish, Mississauga. It is due to the dedicated and untiring efforts of life, founding EC members, current EC members and their dear departed members that MAC has triumphed over challenges and accomplished great things. These members deserve applause: Melwyn-Eryl Menezes, Hyacinth-Freda DeSouza, Paul-Irene Mathias, Lancy-Merlyn Rodrigues, Joe-Rose Pereira, Reynold-Elma Sequeira, Maxim-Nancy Mendes, Ronald-Clara Fernandes, late Herbert-Mertle Lobo, late Vasant-Lily Salian, Arun-Merlyn D’Mello, Ronald-Hilda D’Souza, Maxim-Prescilla D’Mello, Peter-Florine D’Souza, Ivan-Lydwin Lobo, Charles-Janet D’Souza, Manohar Pais, Ronald D'Souza, Prescilla D'Souza, Reginald Fernandes, Olivia Moras, Leo D'Cunha and Joel Lewis.

The growth of MAC during the past one and half decade is phenomenal. Everyone who is close to the association can boldly assert that the selfless dedication of the past and current executive committee members is the key success of this great institution. As recognition for its superb achievements, MAC has been recognized by Mandd Sobhann (Mangaluru based Konkani organization that is striving to promote Konkani and its distinct culture worldwide), as one of the best 25 Konkani associations in the world and honoured by the President of India in 2010 in Mangaluru, India. Truly it’s a tremendous accomplishment and this fact is a matter of great pride for every Mangalurean residing in Canada. MAC is also a member of the Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations, Bengaluru, India.

MAC observed a void in the lives of its community members, a lack of voice and representation and confronted the challenge by introducing pioneer programmes. The celebration of the Nativity Feast or Monthi Fest in Canada was an unusual and much appreciated event attended by hundreds and culminating in the traditional flower throwing ceremony by children, Konkani mass and a vegetarian dinner. This devotion and observation of a unique Mangalurean tradition was celebrated with pride and splendor in the midst of a powerful gathering of their community members. The Stations of the Cross, lenten retreat and service in Konkani during the lenten season and the ongoing monthly Konkani masses slaked the thirst of the community hungering for their own language and traditions. Visiting dignitaries from India such as Dr Aloysius D'Souza, bishop of Mangaluru, Dr Bernard Moras, archbishop of Bengaluru, Dr Albert D’Souza, archbishop of Agra, Fr Patrick D’Souza, director of Fr Muller’s Charitable Institutions and Dr Gerald John Mathias, bishop of Shimla-Chandigarh flew to Canada and were honored by MAC. Each of them shared their vision, experiences and their unwavering trust in the providence of the Lord with the multitude of faithful Catholics in Canada. The Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) reciprocated this generous spiritual guidance by providing financial support and donations to the causes dear to the hearts of the spiritual leaders. In a show of kindred spirit, empathy and solidarity, MAC provided financial and emotional support to organizations assisting Christians suffering from atrocities in Orissa. MAC has supported Konkani artistes such as the late Mick-Max, a noteworthy writer, poet and singer by fundraising and making donations for his tremendous contribution to the world of music. To promote the revival of their mother tongue, Konkani, MAC proposed and initiated a 2-week Konkani beginner’s course with an enthusiastic response from a number of students. With a simple yet challenging curriculum, the students became part of heritage and culture that was foreign to them.

The Christmas event organized by MAC, an affirmation of the association’s mandate to promote Catholic traditions in a close knit family environment is an exceptional accomplishment with a plethora of activities held specifically for children. The MAC Social, a fun and much welcomed event, provides the perfect opportunity for networking, family gatherings, renewal of acquaintances and making new friends. The annual family picnic planned by MAC creates an environment for friendly yet challenging competitions wherein men, women, children and seniors prove their mettle, test their strength and agility and demonstrate their tenacity in games such as volleyball and tug ‘O’ war. The Youth Forum organized by MAC was an excellent initiative focused on promoting, developing and mentoring the Mangalorean youth. This forum allowed their youth to network, demonstrate their talents and leadership and provide ideas to encourage and sustain the Mangalurean traditions, culture and language. A break from the routine and humdrum of daily life was provided by an exciting Casino Rama trip organized by MAC.

MAC has established a scholarship fund of $500 for the first year university entrants. This scholarship is open to the children of active MAC members. The association has taken into consideration and is in the process of establishing a helpline for new immigrants which will support them in Canada, provide networking and opportunities for employment.

Without any prejudice, with its accomplishments of yesterday, its successes of today and its triumphs of tomorrow, MAC will remain a beacon of hope for every Mangalurean residing in Canada and especially for the younger generation.