Report: Preema D'Souza
Pics: Praveen Rodrigues
Sharjah, Sep 10: St Michael's Mangalorean Konkani Community Sharjah (SMMKC) celebrated Monthi Fest on September 7. Almost 700 children offered flowers to Mother Mary and nearly 2,800 Konkan Christians participated in the grand celebration.
Leading upto the day of the feast, a 9 day novena was held from August 29 to September 6, which included 3 days of Konkani Spiritual Retreat – the "Triduum". Fr Peter Mendonca led the community in prayer throughout the retreat and the 9 days of novena.
On Thursday, September 7, the evening celebration started with the traditional brass band, led by Ramiro Mascarenhas, playing melodious tunes of hymns in the church compound welcoming the people to the celebration. The grand celebration started with showering of flowers by children at the grotto of Mother Mary at 6:15 pm.
Fr Maxim Pinto led the prayer ceremony at the grotto and the children showered flowers to Mother Mary to the tune of "Moriyek Hogollsiyan". The traditional "Khanshi" was blessed at the grotto and then brought into the church in a procession by the priests, altar servers and members of SMMKC represented by Joachim Menezes, Roque Rego, Noel D’Costa and Anitha D’Souza. The statue of Infant Mary was carried ceremoniously by Nisha Lobo.
The mass which began at 6:45 pm was celebrated by Fr Peter Mendonca and co-celebrated by Fr Maxim Pinto – Spiritual Director of SMMKC and Fr Annie Xavier from St Paul’s Church, Musaffah, Abu Dhabi. Lancy Carlo lead the choir during the holy mass, which was much appreciated and applauded by the entire gathering.
After the holy mass, cake and juice was distributed to the gathering while the brass band kept the audience entertained. Meanwhile the stage was being set for the much awaited cultural program.
The Cultural programme started with a welcome dance by little children which was choreographed by Prameela.
The welcome dance was followed by a short stage programme which saw felicitation to the priests, main sponsor, support sponsors and well-wishers. The main sponsor of the evening –Frank Lobo of Galaxy Electromechanical Systems LLC and all other sponsors were felicitated with flower bouquets.
Caesar’s Confectionary, Nestle Water Company and Nadec Food Company were specially felicitated and thanked for their valuable support to SMMKC by sponsoring Cake, Water, Juices, Biscuits, Croissants and other goodies to children during the novena days and on the feast day.
The committee also recognised and honoured Simon Rego, senior member of the Konkani community, who has served selflessly for the cause of the Church and the Konkani Community and still continues to do so inspite of his age.
SMMKC Co-ordinator Joachim Menezes welcomed everyone on behalf of the committee. Spiritual Director Fr Maxim Pinto addressed the gathering and congratulated the SMMKC Committee for organising such a wonderful and memorable celebration. Fr Maxim Pinto blessed the new corn mixed in milk and the same was distributed to the gathering.
The cultural programme continued thereafter and consisted of some amazing performances which kept the audience thoroughly entertained.
There was a total of 4 dances, 3 skits, 1 Goan Mando, 1 Medley, 1 Goan dance and 1 song on Mother Thereza. The dances were by – Carol D’Souza and group, Cresilla Rodrigues and group and Prameela and group (kids choreography and adults dance). 2 skits were enacted by Melwin Kalaakul and team and 1 skit was enacted by Deepak Lobo and team.
The Goan “Mando”, led by Ramiro Mascarenhas, was beautifully presented by the Goan team and won the hearts of the audience. The rendition was outstanding and was accompanied by the traditional ghumot, guitars and violins.
A beautiful medley of old Konkani songs was presented by the prayer group team, led by Anitha D’Souza, with Mstr. Claren D’Souza on the keyboard.
An upbeat Konkani dance number was performed by the little children from the Goan community, led by Queenie Braganza.
This was followed by a song about Mother Thereza sung by Lancy Carlo and team.
The programmed ended with a grand baila session by Band Open High which consisted of Joston Pereira, Kiran Rodrigues, Eldrich D’Souza and Preema D’Souza.
The cultural programme was ably compered by Godwin D’Souza.
The evening ended with a sumptuous buffet dinner of traditional "Novem Jevan" and everyone went home with fond memories of a grand celebration.