Jebel Ali, Sep 10 : JAKC (Jebel Ali Assisi Konkani Community), celebrated “Monthi Fest” (Nativity of the Blessed Mother Mary) on 8th September at 8:00 PM in the St. Francis of Assisi Church, Jebel Ali with High Mass in Konkani offered by Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes, visiting priest hailing from Coondapur but serving in Honnavar Paish in India to a full church capacity of congregation. JAKC was fortunate to keep their tradition of celebrating the Monthi Fest with Mass in Konkani on the same day of the feast day though we do not have a resident konkani speaking priest in Jebel Ali.

Fr. Clifford, kept the congregation attentive to his charismatic homily and conveyed the message of Mother Mary and her life dedicated to the Lord.
 
Konkani Retreat – to prepare spiritually for the Monthi Fest a 4 days Retreat in Konkani was preached by Fr. Clifford starting from 3rd to 6th September in the main Church Hall.
 
Novena – JAKC also organized a 9 day Novena in preparation for the Monthi Fest from 30th August to 7th September.
 
Flower Showering - Children offered the showering of flowers to Mother Mary to the hymn “Moriake Hogolsian” at the conclusion of the Mass.
 
John Monteiro, President of JAKC thanked all the sponsors, choir group, those who helped directly or indirectly and contributed to the success of the feast. Especially thanked Fr. Clifford for his 2 and a half months stay in Jebel Ali.
 
Scrumptious buffet vegetarian dinner in Mangalorean cuisine  with sweet vorne by Canara Restaurant, Dubai was served to all and liked by all.