Stanley D’Cruz
 
Sydney, Sep 19: On a beautiful spring Sunday on 15 September 2013 a large number of Mangalorean Sydneysiders and their friends celebrated the Nativity Feast (Monti Fest) organized by the Mangalorean Catholic Association of Sydney Inc. (MCAS). This also forms the Harvest Feast.

The venue was Granville Community Hall. The altar and the statue of Mother Mary were elegantly decorated with flowers. The feast commenced with the celebration of the Holy Mass by Fr Prakash Coutinha, the Parish Priest from Northcote parish, Melbourne and Fr Albert D’Souza, a priest from Kuri Kuri parish. In his welcoming comments Stanley D’Cruz, MCAS President noted that the Nativity Feast binds Mangalorean Catholics all over the world, and that this year is the 250th anniversary of the Monti Fest. Quite a few Catholic members of the NSW Parliament attended the Mass service.

Marsha Rodricks and Joylene Moras led an excellent choir for the Mass with a good mix of Konkani hymns. In his homily Fr Prakash dwelt on the importance of the baby girl, a mother, the role of Mother Mary and the grace of the new harvest in our lives. His sermon was well received and complimented by the attendees.

The celebrations commenced with the introduction of the two MCs Freddie Pereira and Simone Bryant. Children showered flowers on Mother Mary’s statue, the tradition that is still followed all over the world. Many attendees joined in the singing of the traditional hymn Sakkad Sangatha Melaon. The statue was decorated with traditional sugar cane, palm leaves and flowers.

The official function commenced with president Stanley D’Cruz welcoming the large gathering of members, families, visiting parents and friends. He spoke as how the Nativity Feast forms a strong bond for Mangaloreans in all parts of the world, and as how they look forward to celebrate this occasion with family and friends. He thanked members for their past support and urged them to contribute for the further progress of MCAS. Stanley welcomed the attending members of the NSW Parliament:

Stanley informed that MCAS, as a faith based organization would oppose the upcoming bill on same sex marriage in the NSW Parliament, and requested the attending members of Parliament to listen and act as per the voice of MCAS.

Stanley then introduced the MCAS executive committee and thanked them for their hard work and dedication for the cause of MCAS. The committee members were:

Valentina Fernandis Vice President, Cyril D’Silva General Secretary, Dolphie Mascarenhas Treasurer, Freddie Pereira Social Secretary, Valerian D’Souza Youth Coordinator, Members Hubert Castelino, Glen Rego, Austin Goveas, Wilson Rodrigues and Ad hoc members Joylene Moras and Anil Rodricks.

Tony Issa, MP for Granville in his address to the gathering thanked MCAS for its contribution to multicultural NSW, and assured that he would oppose the same sex marriage bill. All the other attending MPS also addressed the gathering briefly, and it was gratifying that they gave the same assurance on that proposed bill.

Entertainment followed soon after, and this was superbly complimented by music played by ‘The Musicman’ Craig Dickinson. The highlight of the celebrations was the performance of a Mangalorean folk dance choreographed by Delsy Moras. Three groups of couples Glen and Olma Rego, Cyril and Blessy D’Silva and Joylene and Delsy Moras participated in this enthralling dance, which was well applauded by the audience. The other cultural component was a Konkani skit. Richard and Reon Rebello and Joy Moras performed this skit. This skit too was very comical and was much appreciated by the audience.

An excellent cuisine buffet dinner was then served. The menu consisted of assorted entrees, baffat pork, chicken curry, sannas, rice, beans, channa, mutter panir, assorted pickles, and kheer and ghulam jamuns.

Music continued and the members kept dancing on the floor enjoying themselves. There was a lively spirited and fun filled environment.

The crowd was entertained with Konkani baila and other music. Other activities included a raffle draw with good prizes.

Social Secretary Freddie Pereira then proposed the Vote of Thanks; he thanked each and everyone who made this event into a great success.

Overall the MCAS Nativity Feast celebration was an outstanding success, and we sincerely thank MCAS members and their friends for their attendance and patronage.