St. Michael’s Church Sharjah, celebrates Monthi Fest
Report: Preema D’Souza
Pics: Praveen Rodrigues
Sharjah, Sep 13: St Michael's Mangalorean Konkani Community Sharjah (SMMKC) celebrated Monthi Fest on September 8th. Almost 600 children offered flowers to Mother Mary and nearly 2600 Konkan Christians participated in the grand celebration.
Leading upto the day of the feast, a 9 day novena was held from 30th August to 07th September, which included 3 days of Konkani Spiritual Retreat – the "Triduum". Rev.
Fr Darrel Fernandes, Editor of Sevok Monthly Konkani Magazine, Assisi House, Bejai, led the community in prayer throughout the retreat and the 9 days of novena and won the hearts of all the faithful with his powerful teachings and humorous stories.
On Thursday, September 8, the evening celebration started with the traditional brass band, led by Jackson Mascarenhas, playing melodious tunes of hymns in the church compound welcoming the people to the celebration. The grand celebration started with showering of flowers by children at the grotto of Mother Mary at 6:15 pm. Fr Darrel Fernandes led the prayer ceremony at the grotto and the children showered flowers to Mother Mary to the tune of"MoriyekHogollsiyan". The traditional "Khanshi" was blessed at the grotto and then brought into the church in a procession by the priests, altar servers and members of SMMKC represented by Joachim Menezes, Roque Rego, Mark Denis D’Souza, Peter Paul D’Souza and Nisha Lobo.
The mass which began at 6:45 pm was celebrated by Fr Darrel Fernandes and co-celebrated by Fr Maxim Pinto – Spiritual Director of SMMKC and Fr Felicio. Fr Darrel Fernandes, in his homily, highlighted the importance of respect to the girl child and women empowerment and also stressed on the importance of family life. Lancy Carlo and Arun Carlo lead the choir during the holy mass, which was much appreciated and applauded by the entire gathering.
After the holy mass, cake and juice was distributed to the gathering while the brass band kept the audience entertained. Meanwhile the stage was being set for the much awaited cultural program.
The Cultural programme started with a welcome dance by little children which was choreographed by Cynthia Goveas and Sunitha.
The welcome dance was followed by a thumping group dance by the Feet Beat dance troupe and was choreographed by Arun Lobo. Following this was the stage programme to felicitate the sponsors and well-wishers.
The short stage programme saw felicitation to the priests, main sponsors and well-wishers. The main sponsor of the evening - Joachim Menezes of Felix Security Systems, Roque Rego of Arabian Falcon, Frank Lobo of Galaxy Electromechanical Systems LLC and all other sponsors were felicitated with flower bouquets.
The committee also recognised and honoured some dedicated members of the community who have served selflessly for the cause of the Church and the Konkani Community namely – Maxim Menezes, Deepak Lobo, Mrs. Leena,Mstr. Claren D’Souza, Peter Paul D’Souza,Lancy Carlo – Choir Master, Cedric Gomes– President of Goan Committee and Joachim Menezes – President of SMMKC. Lancy Carlo expressed his heartfelt words of gratitude for the honour.
SMMKC President Joachim Menezes welcomed everyone on behalf of the committee. Parish Priest Fr Varghese Chempolly addressed the gathering and congratulated the SMMKC Committee for organising such a wonderful and memorable celebration. Fr Felicio was also present for the cultural programme. Fr Maxim Pinto blessed the new corn mixed in milk and the same was distributed to the gathering.
The cultural programme continued with a historical drama “Badlavan” by KushalKalakaar which was ably directed MelwinKalaakul with music from Rohan Kalaakul. SannuMonis and Darrel Vamanjoor provided overall support to the team. The play, which has been written by Arun Raj Rodrigues, was beautifully enacted by the actors Shashiraj, Joylyn, Melwin, Nishell, Santhosh, Sandeep, Ivan, Jenith and Melwyn D’Souza. All actors and team members were felicitated during the event.
After the drama, the Goan youth presented a beautiful song and dance programme which won the hearts of all. The cultural programme ended with a lovely song by Mstr. Joshua D’Souza.
Committee Secretary, Anitha D’Souza, rendered the vote of thanks.
The cultural programme was ably compered by Uttam Menezes.
The program ended with a sumptuous buffet dinner of traditional "NovemJevan" and everyone went home with fond memories of a grand celebration.