Mississauga, Ontario | October 3, 2026:An evening of elegance, laughter, sisterhood, and celebration! On October 3, 2026, the Knanaya Catholic Women’s Forum of Canada (KCWFC) made history with Gratia 2026, its first-ever women-only banquet, held at Swagat Banquet Hall in Mississauga, Ontario. Bringing together over 160 women from across the Knanaya Catholic Association of Canada (KCAC), the evening was a beautiful celebration of the women who strengthen, inspire, and uplift our community.
Gratia 2026 was more than a banquet; it was a vision brought to life - a space for women to connect, celebrate friendships, create memories, and embrace the beautiful spirit of sisterhood.
This milestone event was envisioned by Neetha Makil, Vice President; Maria Kaitharam, Secretary; Sheena Kizhakkepurathu, Joint Secretary; and Feona Mannathumakil, Treasurer of KCWFC. We were also honoured to welcome Danny Pallattumadam, President of KCWFNA, who travelled from Dallas, Texas, to celebrate this special occasion with us.
An Evening of Faith, Celebration & Togetherness
The festivities began with a lively cocktail hour featuring delicious appetizers, signature mocktails, and refreshing drinks, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening.
The event was expertly facilitated by Vidhyashankar, an Idea Star Singer Season 4 finalist, and kicked off with an energetic dance performance by the KCWFC executive committee.
As we do with all our endeavours, we began with prayer through our traditional prayer song, beautifully rendered by Simi Thomas Thambalakattu, Ann Peter Madathiparambil, and Sumi Tom Bhagavadhikunnel. The ceremonial lighting of the lamp followed, led by the KCWFC executive committee, Danny Pallattumadam, President of KCWFNA, and Renu Ottakatil, Vice President of KCAC.
The evening continued with a warm welcome address by Maria Kaitharam, Secretary of KCWFC and KCWFNA, followed by an address from Danny Pallattumadam and the presidential address by Neetha Makil, Vice President of KCWFC. A celebratory cake-cutting ceremony marked this sweet milestone, commemorating a vision that had finally become reality!
Entertainment, Laughter & Memories to Last
The excitement continued with phenomenal entertainment throughout the evening! ATAM Arts Collective delighted the audience with an entertaining skit, while Hips Don't Lie Dance Company brought the energy with an interactive dance performance that had everyone engaged. Multiple door prizes added to the excitement, bringing plenty of smiles and surprises!
Following a scrumptious dinner, we took a moment to recognize and thank the generous sponsors who helped make Gratia 2026 possible. The KCWFC executive board expressed its heartfelt appreciation for their invaluable support, followed by a sincere vote of thanks delivered by Feona Mannathumakil, Treasurer of KCWFC.
And just when we thought the evening couldn't get any better, the celebration moved to the dance floor! After a few fun games and songs, DJ Purple D kept the party going as women came together to dance, laugh, and celebrate. The joy on the dance floor was a perfect reflection of what Gratia stood for: connection, community, and sisterhood!
It Takes a Community!
An event of this magnitude is never the work of a few individuals alone. It takes a community of generous hearts, helping hands, and people willing to believe in a vision.
Our sincerest thanks go to all our sponsors, vendors, and supporters, especially V for Events, our photography team, DJ, dancers, artists, and performers. Thank you for sharing your talents, time, and expertise to help create such a memorable experience.
To everyone who worked behind the scenes, volunteered, offered encouragement, or contributed in any way, we see you, appreciate you, and thank you!
And to the 160+ incredible women who joined us, thank you for showing up, celebrating with us, and making history alongside us. Your presence brought this vision to life, and your enthusiasm made the evening truly unforgettable.
A special thank you to Danny Pallattumadam for joining us from Dallas and for her continued support of our Knanaya Catholic women's community.
Gratia 2026 was a success because of YOU!
Signing Off with Gratitude
As we close the chapter on Gratia 2026, we also mark the conclusion of the KCWFC Executive Committee's 2024-2026 term.
We sign off with hearts full of gratitude and immense pride in what we have accomplished together. Every event, every connection, every challenge overcome, and every memory created has been a meaningful part of our journey.
To everyone who supported our initiatives throughout this term, thank you for your trust, encouragement, and unwavering support. Serving this community has been a privilege, and bringing Gratia 2026 to life has been a beautiful way to conclude our term.
Gratia means grace and gratitude - and there could not have been a more fitting name for this celebration. As we bid farewell to this chapter, we carry forward the friendships, memories, and spirit of sisterhood that made it so special.
Our term may be ending, but the sisterhood continues!
Here's to the women who inspire us, the community that supports us, and the beautiful memories we will carry forward. Thank you for making our 2024-2026 journey so meaningful and Gratia 2026 truly unforgettable!
Maria Kaitharam
Secretary, Knanaya Catholic Women's Forum of Canada (KCWFC) & Knanaya Catholic Women's Forum of North America (KCWFNA)
