Gerry D’Mello, Bendur
Daijiworld Media Network - Canada
Canada, Sep 1: This year, the Konkani community in Toronto and surrounding areas will be privileged to celebrate their most cherished “Monthi Fest” with William McGrattan, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Toronto Western Region.
As informed by Fr Edwin D’Souza, the parish priest of Saints Martha and Mary Church, Mississauga, Canada who is also the spiritual director of the Mangalorean Association of Canada, the Bishop who is also responsible for the ethnic groups in Toronto has shown great interest in participating in the Monthi Fest celebrations by the Konkani Community across the globe with pomp and glory. This will be an additional joy to the Konkani congregation in Canada who want to celebrate their dear Mother Mary’s birthday in a "Traditional Style"!
Bishop William McGrattan
Manohar Pais Francis Fernandes
MAC
William McGrattan was born and raised in London, Ontario. He worked as a chemical engineer in Sarnia, after completing a Bachelor’s of Engineering Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario. In 1987, McGrattan was ordained a priest for the Diocese of London. He then went to Rome and received a Licentiate in Fundamental Moral Theology from the Pontificio Universita Gregoriana in 1992. Father McGrattan served at St Peter’s Seminary from 1992 to 2009 as lecturer, associate professor, rector and dean of theology. In 2007, he was named Episcopal Director of Formation and Support for the Diocese of London.
Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Auxiliary Bishop in November 2009 for the Archdiocese of Toronto. Currently, he serves as Bishop of the Western Region of Toronto.
The Monthi Fest has a tremendous significance to the Catholic community residing in Canada, as it celebrates not only the birthday of the mother of Jesus Christ but also the new harveSt Through this solemn yet festive event, we demonstrate unity and solidarity in our Catholic faith, our rich ethnic heritage and work towards enriching our children’s understanding and love of culture.
The Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) to whom this pioneer venture is attributed to, is organizing the event on September 11, 2011 at the St Maximilian Kolbe Church followed by a cultural program at John Paul II Polish Cultural Centre in Mississauga. Children are encouraged to bring flowers at 3.30 pm to offer to our Mother Mary and sweets will be distributed to the participants. A Konkani mass will be celebrated by 5 priests including the Bishop of Toronto. Renowned Konkani singers in Canada will join the angelic choir under the dynamic leadership of acclaimed musician Merlyn Rodrigues. A cultural program has been organized to satisfy the clamoring demands of the community who soak up the traditional Konkani skit, songs and dances like a sponge to water. The grand component of the cultural program is a Spiritual Tableau called “Morie Zolmali” written and directed by renowned Konkani artiste Manohar Pais followed by a special appearance by the world famous Konkani play-right and Comedy King Francis Fernandes Cascia.
Ronald Fernandes, the incumbent president of MAC, informed Daijiworld that the preparations are going on in full swing and that there will be a big turnout this year. He urged the Konkani community residing in Toronto and surrounding areas not to miss this golden opportunity and to attend in large numbers to celebrate our Blessed Virgin Mother’s birthday celebration. An authentic sumptuous vegetarian Mangalorean dinner “Novem Jevonn” catered by Canada's one and only "Konkan Delite" will be served at the Monthi FeSt He also informed that only a few tickets are available and requested to buy entry passes at the earliest to avoid disappointment.
Ace compere Manohar Pais will be the host for this great event. Undoubtedly this will be a unique and memorable Konkani event for Konkani Diaspora residing in Canada!