Media Release
Mumbai, Sep 16: The Mangalorean community in Pune, under the banner of Mangalorean Catholic Association, came together in large numbers on September 14 at Christ the King Church, Sainikwadi, Pune to celebrate Monti Fest 2025 with devotion, enthusiasm, and fervor. MCA Pune spiritual director, Fr (Dr) Naveen Rebello SVD blessed the first paddy, specially brought from Mangalore, symbolizing gratitude for the new harvest. Then the celebrations began with traditional rituals as flowers were lovingly showered in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the church grotto.
The soulfully melodious singing of Konkani hymns filled the air, stirring hearts and evoking a deep sense of nostalgia, transporting the faithful back to their roots in Mangaluru. The community then proceeded prayerfully into the church for the solemn Konkani Mass, concelebrated by thirteen priests. The main celebrant was Fr Dixson D’Souza, SVD with concelebrants Fr (Dr) Naveen Rebello SVD, Fr Henry Almeida, SJ, Fr Sunil Menezes, SVD, Fr Lancy Monteiro SJ, Fr Ivan D’Souza SJ, Fr Francis Fernandes SJ, Fr Lancy Mendonca, OCD, Fr Lohith Mascarenhas, Fr Royston Lobo OP, Fr Roshan D’Souza, OCD, Fr Vishan Monis OCD, Fr Joachim Harry D’Silva CSC and Fr Reagan Fernandes.
Fr Lohith Mascarenhas delivered a meaningful homily, beautifully connecting the significance of the feast with everyday life. The Konkani choir uplifted the liturgy with their melodious voices, bringing an added depth of spirituality to the service. MCA secretary Sunitha D’Souza thanked the clergy and the congregation for their devout participation in the Eucharistic service.
After the Eucharistic celebration, a cultural program brought vibrancy and joy to the gathering. Flavin and Sunitha Baptist welcomed the guests in the Mangalorean traditional way with Panpod and Udak (beetel leaf, areca nuts and water). MCA president Vijay Noronha welcomed the guests, priests and religious.
Highlights included a prayer song by the Konkani Choir, a comedy skit – Udaar Anthu (Generous Anthu), enacted by Alwyn Castelino, Linetta Rodrigues, Sunitha Baptist, Roshan Rebello and Bro Bleston. A medley dance Choreographed by Celestine Lobo and Eliza Vernekar performed by our youth Nyesha Sequeira, Anora Castelino, Chelsea Veigas, then by ladies Celestine Lobo, Marina Veigas, Daisy Vaz, Sunitha D’Souza, Veena Pereira and Prescilla Braggs. Men in action dance were Alwyn Castelino, Bro Mario Aranha, Bro Bleston Lobo and Adriel Mendonca. Francis Britto and Marina Veigas sang a melodious Konkani duet. Children participated in fun games, adding cheer to the day. Students who had successfully completed their class 10, class 12, graduation, and post-graduation for the academic year 2024-25 were felicitated, recognizing their hard work and achievements. Donors were felicitated by Fr (Dr) Naveen Rebello SVD for their generous contribution for the celebration.
The event was beautifully compered by Renson Vas, Shanthi Fernandes and Veena Pereira. Mark Fernandes gave vote of thanks. Edna Rodricks and Wilma Mendonca beautifully managed the flow of events.
Founder member and former president Aloysius Saldanha along with former committee members Benjamin Mathias, Arthur Fernandes, Stella Monthi Lobo and Ronald Sequeira were present for the programme.
The age-old tradition of singing the Laudate Domino was observed before meals. Fr Henry Almeida SJ led the grace and blessed the food with the Novem. The celebration concluded with a sumptuous traditional vegetarian Novem Jevan, complete with Vorn, which was relished by all.
The event received heartfelt appreciation from the community. Many attendees expressed how much they cherish Monti Fest as an opportunity to come together, celebrate their culture, and strengthen their bonds. The success of Monti Fest 2025 has further inspired hopes for many more such gatherings, ensuring that Mangalorean traditions and roots remain vibrant in Pune.