Media Release

Toronto, Sep 21: The Konkan Organization of Toronto (KOT) celebrated the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 9 with Holy Mass at 6:30 pm at St Barnabas Catholic Church in Scarborough.

The mass was offered in Konkani and began with the melodious voices of the choir singing ‘Aailyanv Bali Bhetonv’. The celebration began with a welcome message to the congregation by the president of the KOT Herman Pinto. This was followed by the Holy Eucharist which was concelebrated by Fr Roshan D'Souza, Fr Francis Noronha, Fr Edwin D'souza, Archbishop Emeritus Lawrence Saldanha and Deacon Terence Rebello. The main celebrant, Fr Roshan D'Souza, in his homily stressed the importance of heavenly mother and catholic values in Christian lives. The offertory procession included corn stalks, baskets of fruits and vegetables in keeping with the theme of the new harvest.

Following mass, the Knights of Columbus lead the congregation in a short procession around the premises of the church grounds. The faithful congregation joined in with the singing of the traditional 'Sokkodd Sangata Melleam' and 'Moriek Hogollsiam' as they walked in procession with the statue of Our Blessed Virgin Mary. The children then honored the statue of Our Lady with the showering of flowers.

The cultural programme was held at the Malvern Community Hall which was packed to capacity of 300 guests. The evening commenced with a warm welcome extended by the vibrant compere, Rhio Gracias. The executive committee was introduced with pomp and splendor as they danced their way to centre stage. Thereafter, the celebrations continued with the blessing of the new harvest (Novem) by Archbishop Emeritus Lawrence Saldanha. One member from each table was invited to come forward and take a jug of 'Novem' (a delicious sweetened milk drink containing crushed powdered paddy) to share with other members at the table.

Snacks and soft drinks were provided at each table and the children's dance then kicked off the entertainment programme. An authentic traditional vegetarian Mangalurean buffet meal prepared by Aroma Caterers was served, accompanied by the mouth-watering delicacy 'vorn' for dessert.

Throughout the evening, the compere entertained the crowd by giving out spot prizes, raffle prizes and door prizes.

The KOT scholarship award generously sponsored by the D'Silva family was then presented to Rochelle Furtado for her contribution to community service. This was followed by a comedy skit ‘Pittashi’ (Miser) performed by Melwin Lobo and Herman Pinto that left the audience in splits. The guests continued to be enthralled with performances by the melodious voice of Diana Serpes and Michael Sreshta on the saxophone.

The evening reached its climax as the guests hit the dance floor to the foot stomping music provided by DJ Savio D'souza, thus, concluding the Monthi Fest celebrations.