from Raymond Menezes, Harrow, Middlesex UK
For Daijiworld News Network
London, Sep 11: Mangaloreans in London and around celebrated the feast of Nativity in the company of Bishop Aloysius D'Souza, who had flown here for the occasion, on the afternoon of Sunday, Septembe 10. The occassion had a special significance in that it was being celebrated here for the tenth year running.
Entrepreneur Richard Lobo, Christine and family were the hosts for the occasion. The entire ceremony was held in Lobos' garden on downtown Salmon Street. Over three hundred community members took part in the event.
Cheryl Lobo welcomed the guests. Bishop D'Souza, assisted by Frs W D'Souza and P Pinto, blessed the new corn specially flown from Mangalore, followed by a procession carrying the statue of Mother Mary, accompanied by children with flowers in hand. It was followed by Mass and hymns in Konkani.
The Bishop in his message thanked the Lobos, the hosts, for having organized the Montifest consistently over the last ten years. He also emphasized the importance of celebrating this feast which is unique for Mangaloreans and which tended to bring the family together and keep them united in love and oneness.
The corn was mixed with milk and was distributed to all for intake. Children were given chocolates and sugarcane in keeping with the Mangalorean tradition.
It was followed by a vegetarian community meal with "vorn" as dessert. Everybody took part in a family spirit and the Bishop mingled with all present on the occasion.
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