India Catholic Association of America, one of the first Indian associations founded in Chicagoland celebrated its Christmas Ball 2005 at the India House Banquet Hall at Schaumburg, a suburb of Chicago. It was well attended by ICAA members and their families. Program started with a concelebrated mass by four priests, a Jeusits Provincial was the main celebrant, Fr. Jamal James, Fr. Dennis Carneiro and Fr. Peter Fernandes. ICAA Chaplain Fr. Jamal James gave a sermon on ‘Giving.’ 

We should give and share with needy and less fortunate people in our communities; unless we gifts to others, how can we become gift of God he asked the faithful. Christmas is a joyful season to bring peace and love he 
said. Charlotte Afonso played the keyboard for carols during mass.

After mass there was a happy hour time for snacks and cash bar. Dr. Peter Noronha emceed the program. Santa arrived with Mrs. Claus and Santa’s helpers. All young kids with given a present from Santa. Little children had a wonderful time with Santa and music from “Konkan Coconuts” – music group. 

A delicious India dinner was served in buffet style. After dinner, President Lionel Pereira welcomed the gathering and introduced newly elected president – Vikram Prabhu. Then Vikram Prabhu introduced his new 
executive committee members – Vice President – Sarita Pinto, Secretary – Dan Krygsheld, Treasurer – Deepak D’Souza, Asst. Treasurer June Pereira and Corresponding Secretary Gillian Albuquerque. All officers said few words and gave their commitment for ICAA for the year 2006.

Chief Guest, Honorable Arun Kumar, Consul General of India in Chicago was introduced by Dr. Peter Noronha. In his address, Arun Kumar praised Christians in India and Indian Christians in the US. He said that Indians 
are hard working individuals who excel in various fields. He said, he had been educated in Christian schools and college and he had the privilege to introduce India’s first Indian born Cardinal Valerian Gracias when he 
visited his college. While he was in Rome on official duty, he said he met the Pope more than 100 times. Even in the Vatican, he said, many high ranking posts are held by Indian priests. Indians are very bright and they 
shine wherever they go he added. 

Amongst cheers from the crowd, Kumar also mentioned Sachin Tendulkar’s new record in cricket. He also told the crowds that starting first week of January, 2006, Dual Citizenship applications will be processed. 
For just $275 one can get a dual citizenship and visit India as many times without a visa, he said. 

Hector Lobo introduced the Kamath Memorial Scholarship Award, which was created in memory of past ICAA president Joly Kamath when he passed away. This year’s recipients, Kevin Thalanany and Tanya 
Noronha were introduced by Hector Lobo and they were given with $300 each and a certificate of appreciation for their excellence in education and voluntary work.

The crowds danced to the live music of The Konkan Coconuts until midnight.