Pics by Patrick D'souza
Media Release
Pune, Sep 20: The Mangalorean Catholic Association (Regd) Pune (MCA), celebrated Monti Fest on September 11, 2016 at St Patrick’s Cathedral.
The Konkani Catholic community in Pune gathered around the grotto, offered flowers to Mother Mary, sang traditional hymns and in a devout procession entered the church for holy mass in Konkani. The main celebrant was Fr Richard Mathias, rector SVD Pune and Fr Raju also of SVD preached an inspiring homily.
The packed church reverberated to the hymns and praises of the congregation and to the lilting choir and music was led by MCA members, SVD & DNC brothers. Edna Rodricks, secretary, MCA Pune thanked the clergy and the congregation for their devout participation in the Eucharistic service.
Lt Gen Raymond Noronha, chief guest along with Fr Richard Mathias, director, SVD and founder members of MCA, Harry Lobo and Aloysius Saldanha as guests of honour were escorted by Ronald Sequeira, EdnaRodricks, Linetta Rodrigues, president, secretary & treasurer, MCA respectively. They entered the venue in a procession with the traditional band playing, carrying Mother Mary’s statue and blessed corn. The president of MCA Ronald Sequira welcomed the gathering. Lt Gen.Raymond Noronha addressed the gathering and appreciated MCA for bringing the community together for celebrating the family feast.
Fr Thomas Dabre, bishop of Pune later joined the gathering and appreciated the efforts taken by MCA in bringing all families together. He also recognized the Mangalorean Community for giving maximum bishops and archbishops from Mangalore. He then blessed the traditional meal.
The cultural programme consisting of a Konkani medley which had glimpses of Mangalorean traditions and foot tapping music and dance was presented by the children, youth, young and young at heart couples.
Aloysius Saldanha gave away the gifts to all the participants of the medley. Lt Gen Raymond Noronha gave away the prizes to the ‘U-Can’ Talent Fiesta winners for Poetry, Craft, Drawing, Master Chef competitions organised in the month of August. Fr Richard Mathias, Rector, SVD felicitated the students who have passed various final examinations in 2016.
MCA thanks Immaculate Fernandes for ideating and executing the U-Can Talent Fiesta and bringing up a platform for the Mangalorean talents.
There was a lucky draw organised on the lunch coupons and the winners were chosen by Fr Wilfred Fernandes, rector of St Patricks Cathedral.
The event was compered by Praveen Pinto, vice president and Judith Menezes, associate editor, MCA Newsletter. Cultural secretary Patrick Dsouza thanked the audience for their attendance and for making the Monti Fest a successful and colourful event. He also thanked all the members who worked directly or indirectly for the success of this program.
The cultural program concluded with the singing of “Laudate Dominum.” A Konkani band led by Lancy D’Souza and his group of young talented musicians, viz, Ronaline Sequeira, Shelton Dias and Cynthia Furtado kept the audience enthralled and in high spirits with their foot tapping songs. The celebration ended with the masala dance enjoyed by all.
Assembled guests were served a delicious fellowship meal NovemJevann.
The executive Committee and Area leaders; Ronald Sequiera, Aloysius Saldanha, Benjamin Mathias, Harold R Lobo, Baptist D'Souza, Edna Rodricks, Praveen Pinto, Patrick Dsouza, Judith Menezes, Prescilla Braggs, John Carvalho, Jerson Vas, Immaculate Fernandes, Wilma Mendonca, Veera Vaz, Henry Lobo, Jennifer Menezes, Carmine Pereira, Mark Fernandes, Roshan Rebello, Veera Vaz and Leena D’Souza, were successful in mobilising around 400 Mangaloreans from different parts of Pune for the event.