Pics by: Ignatius Alva

Jebel Ali, Sep 7: Jebel Ali Assisi Konkani Community (JAKC) celebrated ‘Monthi Fest’ on Friday September 6 at St Francis of Assisi Church, here.

High Festive Mass in Konkani was offered by Fr Clifford Fernandes, visiting priest hailing from Kundapur but serving in Honnavar parish in India to an overwhelming congregation of full Church capacity.

JAKC had compromised to alter their tradition of having Monthi Fest on September 8 due to various factors. However, the Friday attracted more participants than on a working day. Moreover, it was a traditional lunch than dinner that made it more meaningful.

Fr Clifford kept the congregation attentive to his charismatic homily and conveyed the message of Mother Mary and her life dedicated to the Lord.

Fr Eugene Mattioli, the parish priest was excited on seeing full Church congregation and thanked Fr Clifford for his three months service at St Francis of Assisi Church and his popularity amongst the Konkani speaking people in Jebel Ali and wished that he come back again next year.

To prepare spiritually for the Monthi Fest, a three-day retreat in Konkani was preached by Fr Clifford from September 2 to 4 in the Church main hall.

JAKC also spiritually prepared the congregation with a preparatory nine-day Novena in preparation for the Monthi Fest from August 28 to September 5.

Children offered the showering of flowers to Mother Mary to the hymn of ‘Moriake Hogolsian’ at the conclusion of the Mass.

John Monteiro, president of JAKC thanked all the donors, choir group, those who helped directly or indirectly and contributed to the success of the feast. Especially thanked Fr Clifford for his two-and-a-half months stay in Jebel Ali.

Scrumptious buffet vegetarian lunch in Mangalorean cuisine with sweet vorne served by Canara Restaurant, Dubai was liked by all.