Media Release

Sharjah, Sep 16 : The feast of Nativity of Mary which is widely known as ‘Monthi Fest’ was celebrated in St Michael’s Church, here on Thursday September 12 evening.
 
A large number of faithful attended the festal Holy Mass on the occasion.  
 
Goan brass band led by Ramiro Mascarenhas was playing some soulful hymns whilst the faithful entering the church premises.
 

All the children and faithful gathered around the church to shower flowers in honour of Infant Mary.
 
Fr Abraham D’Souza, the guest preacher from Mangalore along with Fr Annie Xavier, Fr Rodson led the prayer ceremony.  Children showered flowers in honour of Infant Mary while the congregation joined in singing the most popular hymn, ‘Sokkad Sangata Melyan ani Moriyek Hogolsiyam’.
 
Later, the freshly sourced new paddy-sheaves from was taken to church hall in procession and the festal Holy Mass was concelebrated by parish priest Fr Annie Xavier, Fr Rodson and Fr Abraham D’Souza.
 
Melodious choir led by Lancy Carlo sang beautiful hymns and made the spiritual celebration more meaningful.
 
After the festal Holy Mass refreshments were distributed to the packed audience in the hall as it was time to start cultural celebrations.
 
The cultural programmes were kick-started by well known comperer Roshan D’Silva.  The first event was children’s group prayer dance seeking blessings of Infant Mary, which was choreographed by Godwn and Anita D’Souza.   This followed by a duet song ‘Suryaachim Kirnaa’ by Lancy Carlo and Sheela Carlo which enthralled the audience.
 
The special act directed and led by Mogachin Larhan fame Vincent Fernandes titled ‘Moriye Thu Aamka Zai’ was a hit among the audience.  The stage setting, dress, dance moves, the concept and the message from the act was apt for the day.
 
Next was the Portuguese dance by Goan group which took everyone to a different world altogether through its unique dresses, lighting and dance moves.

Then it was time for the stage event.  Fr Annie Xavier, Fr Felicio, Fr Abraham along with St Michael’s Mangalorean Konkani Community (SMMKC) president Lawrence D’Souza and prayer group leader Flavia Castelino were called to the stage.  Flavia Castelino welcomed all priests, sponsors and all the parishioners and guests to the celebrations.
 
Fr Annie Xavier felicitated sponsors Lawrence D’Souza and Joachim Menezes for their contribution to the Monti Fest celebrations.  He thanked Konkani community for their contribution in church activities and also urged them to extend their support in the future too.
 
After the stage programme, ‘Lhaanponna’ a song and dance act was enacted by Vincent Fernandes and his group.  Godwin D’Souza along with small children sang a hymn that exemplified the Biblical message.
 
Pradeep Barboza and his group enacted a comedy skit named ‘Paanch Phirkis’ which made everyone laugh and have lighter moments.
 
Traditional Mangalorean food was served to all the people.
 
Event was attended by more than 2,000 people, which brought back the memories of back home.