News: Malin Mendonca
Pics: Roshan D’Souza and Peter Dalbhanjan
Washington, Sep 16: The feast of the Nativity of our Lady was celebrated on September 10 by the DC Mangalorean Association in collaboration with the Indian American Catholic Association (IACA). This spectacular celebration took place at the All Saints Catholic Church, Manassas, Virginia on a bright and beautiful Sunday morning. The church was filled with people from different parts of South Asia including India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as well as many Americans, all coming together to celebrate the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
As per tradition, the service began with the veneration of Infant Mary. The children followed Infant Mary, which was carried by Gracy D’Souza into the church and showered her with flowers while the choir played and sang ‘Sakkad Sangatha Melyan’ and ‘Moriyek Hogolsiyan’.
It was an honor and blessing to have three celebrants travel all the way from India who were visiting the DC area to attend the 20th Annual Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Good Health, Vailankanni conducted at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on September 9. Fr Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, the main celebrant, began the service stating how proud he was that all the Indians and South Asians were working so hard to keep traditions alive even though they were so far from India. An inspiring homily was delivered by Fr Leo Cornelio, Archbishop of Bhopal, India. He ended the homily with God bless America and everyone who resides in this country, which drew a loud applause from the entire congregation. Fr P Thomas Paulsamy, Bishop of Dindigul, Tamil Nadu was the co-celebrant. Fr Lee Ross, pastor of the All Saints Church and Fr Anil Gonsalves were also present. At the end of the service, the IACA President, Harold D’Souza spoke a few words thanking everyone.
After mass, the crowd proceeded to the church hall where the aromas of the sumptuous ‘Novein Jevann’ filled the air. Compere Shalini Nazareth- Kapur, (IACA executive committee) kicked off the afternoon by calling on the president of DC Mangalorean Association, Carol D’Souza to welcome the gathering. Carol welcomed the priests to the gathering by having the children of the Mangalorean Association offer flower bouquets to the honorable guests. Bishop Thomas Paulsamy said a meaningful prayer and blessed the fresh paddy along with the food. This blessed paddy was crushed and then added to ‘Vorn’ and the crowd broke for lunch.
A crowd of over 300 attendees were treated to an authentic traditional 'Novein Jevann', prepared by the families of the Mangalorean Association residing in Maryland, Viriginia, DC areas. As tradition has it, the lunch included odd number of vegetables, a total of 7 in number. The menu included Sambar, Moong curry, Sono Sukkha (Black Channa), Tendli and Kaju Moi (Gherkin with cashews), Sango (Beans), Okra Sukka (Ladyfinger), Karamb (cucumber and coconut mix). After lunch, delicious ‘vorn’, carrot halwa and ice cream was served and relished by everyone. There was enough food to feed everyone with left overs to share, a sign of divine intercession from Mother Mary who was always known to depict abundance.
After lunch, the much anticipated cultural programme began with the heavenly voice of Anjalika Silva (Sri Lanka) playing on the piano and singing ‘Amazing Grace’. It was very well conducted with much enthusiasm by compere Shalini Nazareth-Kapur. There were amazing performances from different communities which included a trumpet performance and a dance performance from the Bangla community, a piano performance, multiple songs, a play titled GPS from the Goan community, a Bharatnatyam performance from the Tamil community, a hymn, fashion show and a play titled ‘Sairik Sodchen’ from the Mangalorean community. The Goan troupe played a collection of classic numbers at the end and entertained the crowd. The crowd had a wonderful afternoon cheering the talents of the various communities that came together so beautifully.
Jefreena Packinathan, vice-president, IACA thanked the gathering and delivered the vote of thanks. Harold D’Souza handed each of the esteemed guests a plaque commemorating 20 years of the pilgrimage for Our Lady of Vailankanni conducted at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and felicitated them.
The event concluded with Fr Leo Cornelio, Archbishop of Bhopal, India, saying a few words. Being a native of Mangaluru, he also spoke in Konkani which touched everyone. He was very happy to be part of the event. He said that he was proud that people were carrying forward Mangalorean traditions in another country and requested them to continue doing so.
By the grace of Infant Mary and blessings of all the elders, Monthi Fest 2017 turned into a one of a kind memorable event. The associations are grateful to all the wonderful people who attended this event, shared food, performed, organized the show, volunteered to setup and clean up and to every single one present who made it a successful event. God bless us all.
To stay updated on activities, events and information on the joining the DC Mangalorean Association - www.mangaloreanassociation.org and the Indian American Catholic Association – www.iacausa.org