Media Release
Bahrain, Sep 11: The traditional Monthi Fest celebrations of the Konkani Catholic Community of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Manama, Bahrain, were held with great devotion and enthusiasm on Friday, September 4, beginning with the blessing of the beautifully decorated infant statue of Mother Mary and floral tributes from children and the faithful. The celebrations were graced by vicar general of Avona Fr Ruben Belmonte Barrameda OFM Cap, parish administrator Fr Anthony Almazan OFM Cap, spiritual director Fr Vincent Serrao OFM Cap, visiting priest Fr Roshan Perera OFM Cap, brother priests and the Reverend Sisters of the Sacred Heart Church Convent and School.
The nine-day Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary, preached by Fr Roshan Perera from August 26, concluded on September 4 with a solemn concelebrated Konkani Holy Mass. The celebrations began on the outdoor stage with the blessing of the first-harvest corn, specially brought from Mangaluru. Following the blessing, the faithful joined a procession to the main church. Support candles were also blessed and subsequently handed over to the supporters (Murdhom and Pirjenth) before the Solemn Mass commenced. The blessed corn was later distributed among the parishioners as a cherished symbol of the first fruits of the harvest. During the Offertory procession, members of the Konkani community generously presented groceries and other essential items. These offerings will be distributed to the poor and needy through the Poor of Saint Anthony.
The melodious singing of the Konkani Choir group with devotional hymns of Mother Mary added more flavour to the Solemn celebration of the Feast. Following the Mass, cake, refreshments and the traditional blessed ‘Noveim coconut juice’ were served in the church courtyard before the faithful proceeded to Our Lady of Arabia Hall for the cultural programme and felicitation ceremony.
The programme, anchored by Freeda Sequeira, featured the participation of parish priests, religious sisters and community members. Fr Vincent Serrao welcomed the gathering, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony, while Fr Roshan Pereira delivered a brief Monthi Fest message and expressed his gratitude for the invitation to conduct the Novena and participate in the celebrations. Winners and runners-up of the 7-a-side cricket festival and ward-wise tug-of-war competition held on August 21 at the Indian Club grounds were also felicitated with trophies and prizes.
The community honoured Alex Mendonca and his family on their permanent return to India after more than 30 years in Bahrain, recognising his valuable contribution to the Konkani community and his involvement in organising the Monthi Fest Novena and the Bhuche Chonne for the St Francis Xavier Feast. Nicky Dias was also felicitated for his dedicated support towards the successful Family Day 2026, held under the theme ‘One Heart, One Love and One Family’. A warm farewell was also accorded to rector and parish priest Fr Francis P Joseph on his return to his province, in appreciation of his simplicity, humility, dedication and loving service to the parish.
The cultural programme began with a graceful prayer dance by children, choreographed by Eunice D’Souza, followed by an energetic Konkani mash-up dance choreographed by Vivitha Sonia Lobo. A nostalgic Goan presentation featuring storytelling, acting, dance and playful banter, set to a popular song by legendary Konkani stage couple Alfred Rose and Rita Rose, added further colour to the celebrations. DJ Francis kept the audience entertained with Konkani music and karaoke performances, while the much-awaited comedy skit by comedian Stany D’Souza, Sujay Pinto and team brought the programme to a lively close with plenty of laughter and applause.
Convenor Nelson Menezes delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the priests, performers, volunteers, benefactors, Murdhom, Pirjenth and all members of the community who contributed to the success of the celebrations. The programme concluded with the traditional ‘Noveim Jevann’, a sumptuous vegetarian meal catered by Dennis D’Sa of Mysore Restaurant fame, served from until the conclusion of the festivities.
The Monthi Fest 2026 once again reflected the deep faith, devotion, cultural heritage and strong community spirit of the Konkani Catholics of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with the core committee, led by spiritual director Fr Vincent Serrao and convenor Nelson Menezes, receiving appreciation for their dedicated efforts in making the celebration a memorable one.