MANGALORE CULTURAL ASSOCIATION, (MCA) DOHA QATAR was officially inaugurated on Thursday 27th March 2008.

The evening began with the Holy Mass offered by Rev Fr. Paul Pinto, parish priest of Fajir church, who is on a short visit to Qatar.

The Second part of the evening was the official inauguration of the association which started with the prayer recited by Rev. Fr. Paul Pinto, who craved God’s Blessings on the association and especially on the Executive committee members. The Executive committee members were introduced to the assembled gathering and the advisory committee members were greeted with flowers by tiny children. Mr. Henry Michael D’Souza a prominent Businessman together with Rev. Fr. Paul Pinto, Mr. Jerry Pinto, Mr. Felix Lobo, Mr. Walter Serrao, Mr. Joe D’Souza, Mr. Wilfred Fernandes, Mr. Dony Lobo and Mr. Harry Lobo formally lighted the traditional lamp and officially inaugurated the Association

The Logo and the email id of MCA were inaugurated by Mrs. Stephanie Lobo.

Mr. Harry Lobo newly elected President of the association welcomed the gathering. A brief report about MCA was read by the Gen. secretary Mr. Benjamin Rebeiro.

Rev. Fr. Paul Pinto, who was Guest of Honour for the evening, conveyed his good wishes to all the members and urged the members to work with Unity to achieve their goal.

 Mr. Henry Michael D’Souza Presided over the function. He is a prominent business man and a resident of Qatar since 52 years. In his inaugural address to the gathering he said that he is very happy to be a part of this association as it is the first Mangalorean Cultural Association of its type in Qatar which is dedicated to the Blessed Mother Theresa.

All the advisory committee members speaking on this occasion promised their full support to MCA and asked the members to follow Mother Theresa’s noble work who is the Patron of this association. Mr. Wilfred Fernandes addressed to the gathering that the work of this association should not be limited for Qatar only but the deeds should reach Mangalore. He insisted that we must build a Bridge to Mangalore with strong Pillars.

Mr. Felix Lobo conveyed his message of appreciation and advice to all the gathered members. He said that MCA is formed mainly to help the poorest of the poor and orphans back home in our Motherland specially to help in their education. This association will also lend a helping hand for our community people in Qatar who are in need of assistance. He requested the Mangalorean Catholic people of Qatar to become members of the Association and work for the good cause.

 The function ended with a Vote of Thanks by Mr. Wilson Mendonca Vice President of the association. Mr. Cyril Sequeira (CGS Taccode) anchored the whole programme.