Report and Pics by : Naveen Frank, Sharjah
Sharjah, Sep 8: St Michael’s Church, Sharjah UAE celebrated the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Thursday, 06th September with great fervor. Over 400 little children gathered in front of the Church grotto with flower petals. The corn was blessed and the statue of Infant Mary was showered with flowers amidst the singing of the traditional Konkani hymn “ SAKKAD SANGATA MELYAM”
A solemn festive Konkani Mass followed. Rev Fr Devdass Dolphy Serrao OFM CAP., visiting priest from Mangalore was the main celebrant. The concelebrants were Fr Ani Xavier, Fr Rodson Goes and Fr Felicio Diniz.
In his Homily, Fr Serrao narrated a beautiful anecdote to picture the true love of a mother towards her child. He also explained to the faithful the history behind the tradition of the “Monti Fest” He said that the name came from a small village near Bandra in Mumbai which was known as Monter village. The Blessed Virgin Mary was honored by the locals and was soon known as “Monti Mai”. A Capuchin priest Fr Joaquin Miranda brought the tradition to Farangipet Mangalore in the year 1510. Ever since then, Mangaloreans has fervently observed the feast with great reverence.
The Konkani choir conducted by Lancy Carlo and Ramiro Mascarenhas elevated the Liturgy . The power point presentation edited by Peter D’Souza and ably operated by Flora Fernandes helped the faithful to participate actively in the Mass.
There was more splendor when the brass band Baretto’s “ SHARJAH BRASS” and his band of men played old English tunes and Konkani delights.
Soon after the Liturgy, a cultural show followed. Ably coordinated by Dinesh Correa, there was a perfect blend of prayer ,dance, drama, laughter and fun. A beautiful tableau depicting the birth of Mother Mary was also enacted. The Master of Ceremonies Godwin D’Souza kept the beat going.
Earlier, Uttam Menezes recognized and felicitated the main benefactors Alfred Dsouza, John Menezes, Frankie Lobo and Joaquin Menezes on stage. The Parish Priest Fr Ani Xavier wished the crowd and also thanked all the volunteers , benefactors and organizers of the programme. Fr Serrao blessed the new corn “Novem”
Louis D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks. The evening programme ended with all parishioners taking part in a delicious fellowship meal of traditional vegetables.