Media Release
Bangalore, Sep 11: St Peter's Konkani Kutam (SPKK) celebrated Monthi Fest (Nativity of our Blessed Virgin Mary), at St Peter's Church, Rustum Bhagh, off Old Airport Road, Bangalore on Saturday, Sep 8, with a Holy Mass in Konkani at 8.45 am, to a crowded gathering of devotees.
Unlike the previous years, Fr Praveen Pinto OCD (Carmalite) blessed the new corn outside the Church and it was brought in a procession singing Konkani hymn "Sakkad sangatha melyan". Children led the procession with beautiful flowers and gathered around the statue of our beloved Mother Mary to honor Her.
As the choir sang the beautiful Konkani hymn, 'Moriyek hogolshiyam', the children showered colorful flowers on our dearest ‘Mother Mary’.
Maxi Fernandes gave a brief introduction about the importance of Monthi Fest.
This was followed by Holy Mass in Konkani celebrated by Fr Praveen Pinto. In his message Fr Pinto stressed on family values, and urged to keep Mangalorean Konkani culture alive. Throughout the Mass melodious Konkani choir played a major role in enriching the spirituality of the event led by Jerome Mascarehnas and his dedicated team.
After the Mass, Novem was distributed and it was served with 'coconut milk’ in a true Mangalorean tradition followed by breakfast. This year full length sugar cane was distributed and the children were thrilled to carry it. Thanks to Mrs and Mr.Alwyn Pinto and family for their goodwill and generous contribution
The 'Novem' was arranged by Joechim Saldanha, the President of SPKK. Church and the Altar were decked with variety of flowers which were donated by Robert Lewis and family. Many members contributed towards the expenses.
There were around 200 members gathered for this feast and they cherished every moment of this celebration as this event reminded everyone of their good old days in Mangalore.
Secretary of SPKK Matilda Lasrado proposed the vote of thanks.
The President of SPKK Joachim Saldanha expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed and actively took part in the celebration. On the whole, Monthi Saibinichem Fest was celebrated by SPKK, Bangalore, in a very grand and traditional way, with the support of all the members and their families.