Media Release

Omaha, Sep 21: Nebraska Indian Catholics from Lincoln and Omaha, with roots in Mangaluru, Goa, and Mumbai, gathered at the chapel in the lower level of St John’s Parish (Creighton), Omaha, on September 19 for a joyful celebration of Monthi Fest and Bandra Fair.

The celebration began with Holy Mass celebrated by Fr Mario Repose, with the choir led by Fr Amit D’Souza, SJ. Following Mass, the community joined a procession to the Infant Mary statue, where children offered flowers to Mother Mary while singing the traditional Konkani hymn ‘Moriye Hogolsiyan.’ Fr Mahesh Nayak, SJ, and Fr George Meze, SJ, also joined the celebration.

Though small, the community remains active and connected through monthly gatherings. Ian Severes and Anne Severes have been instrumental in keeping the group together. Gifts for the games, including Ring Toss, Housie Housie, and Bombing the Station, were sponsored by Anne Severes, Muriel Manske, Jessy Fernandes, and Fr Mario.

The evening continued with games, fellowship, and a dance performance by Isla Valder. Anand Fernandes, the Housie Housie number caller, was a highlight of the evening, keeping everyone engaged and entertained with numerous spot prizes. Gina Rodricks designed the Hill Studio photo setup, featuring a moon backdrop that added to the festive atmosphere and gave families an opportunity to capture memories of the celebration.

Members prepared an extensive homemade feast featuring sannas, shevyo, fugias, ghee rice, moong, soney sukke, masala cauliflower, chicken curry, butter chicken, pork curry, pork indaad, bheja fry, tongue curry, shrimp fry, potato chops, kheema sukha, beetroot salad, karamb, chips, mango salsa, lemonade, cake, kalakand, egg sweet, vorn, and many other dishes.

The celebration brought together faith, culture, food, music, and friendship, evoking nostalgic memories of Monthi Fest and Bandra fair celebrations back home while creating new memories for the Indian Catholic community in Nebraska.