Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Pune
Pune, Sept 22: The Mangalorean Catholic Association (MCA), Pune, celebrated Monti Fest (Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary) with great pomp and tradition on September 15, 2024, at Christ the King Church, Wadgaonsheri. The event, which holds a special place in the hearts of Mangaloreans, drew nearly 200 attendees who participated in the festivities.
The celebration began with the blessing of the new sheaves of grain (Novem) by Fr Sunil Menezes SVD at the grotto of Mother Mary. As the traditional hymn “Sakkad Sangatha Melyam, Moriyek Hogolsiyam” was sung, children and the congregation offered flowers in reverence to Monti Mai.
The Eucharistic celebration was led by the main celebrant, Fr Naveen Rebello SVD, with Fr Francline Machado SVD, Fr Sunil Ranger SJ of De Nobili College (DNC – Pune), Fr Lancy Monteiro SJ of DNC, Fr Woolsie SJ of DNC, Fr Claudius Tauro SJ of Jnana Deepa Institute (formerly JDV – Pune), Fr Ivan D'Souza SJ, Fr Jossy Lobo SJ, and Fr Peter Colaco as concelebrants.
Fr Sunil Ranger SJ delivered a powerful homily, engaging the congregation with a reflection on the numerous feasts dedicated to Mother Mary throughout the year. He pointed out that every month features at least one day in her honor, a recognition shared only by Our Lord Jesus Christ and St Joseph. He urged the faithful to draw inspiration from Mother Mary, encouraging them to become instruments of blessing and grace in their own lives and in the lives of others.
The mass was highly participative, with both children and adults taking on roles such as liturgical readings, singing psalms, and leading prayers. The MCA Konkani choir, along with seminarians from DNC and the Papal Seminary, captivated the congregation with their melodious harmonies, adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the service.
Following the mass, Ivy Saldanha, a senior MCA member, felicitated the priests and religious sisters. Sunita D'Souza, MCA secretary, expressed gratitude to the clergy and the congregation for their devout participation in the Eucharistic service.
The cultural programme that followed at Christ the King Church Hall was a vibrant affair, expertly hosted by Shanti Fernandes and Michelle Vas. John Richard and Oreen Noronha welcomed the guests with the traditional Panpod and Udak (betel leaf and water). MCA president Vijay Noronha welcomed the priests, religious, and attendees. The event kicked off with a prayer dance by Nyesha Sequeira, followed by a cultural dance performed by Marina Veigas, Immaculate Fernandes, Nancy Sequeira, and Reena Castelino. A comedy skit titled Hotel Namhaddala, performed by Br Adline Monteiro, Br Sanson D'Souza, Br Macwin D'Souza, Br Bleston, Sunitha Baptist, and Shwetha D'Souza, had the audience in splits.
Fr Naveen Rebello SVD felicitated students who excelled in the 2023–2024 academic year, particularly those who passed Classes 10, 12, and Graduation. Senior MCA members Aloysius Saldanha, Charles Mascarenhas, and Benjamin Mathias recognized the donors who contributed to the success of Monti Fest. Additionally, the new members of the MCA family—Dr Arun and Dr Shilpa Fernandes, Jacinta Rocha, Flewin and Sunitha Baptist, and Francis and Shwetha D'Souza—were welcomed and felicitated.
The programme also included spot prizes and lucky draws, which kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Edward Lobo took the opportunity to express his heartfelt thanks to the MCA for their unwavering support during his wife’s illness. Wilma thanked everyone for their contributions to making Monti Fest a vibrant and successful event.
The celebration concluded with the choir leading the congregation in the singing of "Laudate Dominum," followed by the blessing of the Novem Jevann by Fr Lawrence Fernandez. The choir kept the festive spirit alive with their lively Mangalorean Masala music, and the day ended on a high note with a sumptuous Novem Jevann, leaving the attendees with cherished memories of fellowship and celebration.