Gerry D’Mello, Bendur
Daijiworld Media Network, Canada
Mississauga, Aug 27 : This year, the Konkani community in Mississauga and surrounding areas will be privileged to celebrate their most cherished “Monthi Fest” with ten Konkani priests including Rev.Fr.Edwin D’Souza, former Parish Priest of Saints Martha and Mary Church, Mississauga, Canada who is also the Spiritual Director of the Mangalorean Association of Canada, Fr.Henry Alva ofm.cap., former Provincial of the capuchins in Bangalore and Fr.Andrew Lewis, former Parish Priest of Urwa, Mangalore, who have shown great interest in participating in the Monthi Fest celebration celebrated by the Konkani Community across the globe with pomp, glory and"Traditional Style”
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 9, 2012 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 treats will be distributed to the participants. A Konkani mass will be celebrated by ten priests. Renowned Konkani singers in Canada will join the angelic choir under the dynamic leadership of acclaimed musician Merlyn Rodrigues.
A power-packed 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 “Amchi Fatima Saibhinn (Our Lady of Fatima)” written and directed by renowned Konkani artiste Manohar Pais. The little children who will be participating in this Konkani skit are going to mesmerize the audience through their incredible eloquence in Konkani language. As a special attraction, the world famous Konkani play-right and Comedy King Francis Fernandes Cascia is all set to send the crowd with peel of laughter through his hilarious skit supported by acclaimed actors Violet Pais and Santosh D'Souza. Renowned comedians Rony Monteiro and Leo Rego are expected to enthrall the spectators with their rib-tickling jokes. A traditional dance choreographed by renowned choreographer Lydia Rebello and under the dynamic leadership of Sonia Monteiro, will be an added attraction to regale the audience.
Ronald Fernandes, the incumbent president of MAC, informed Daijiworld that the preparations are going on in full swing and as usual there will be a big turnout this year too. He urged the Konkani community residing in Mississauga 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 host this great event.