Al Ain : The First Ever Monthi Fest celebrations for St. Mary’s Church
Report by : Jerina Lewis
Photos by ; S.J. Lewis
Al AIn, UAE, Sep 11: It was with much exhilaration, Konkan community at St. Mary’s church Al Ain celebrated their first ever Monthi Fest. It all began, just within a short notice of 4 days, few of enthusiastic Konkani speaking people made all preparations to celebrate their dear heavenly mother’s birthday on 10th September 2008
The festive Konkani mass began at 8:00 pm, concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Freddy D’Souza, Asst. Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Church Dubai. Fr. Freddy in his festive message conveyed to the congregation about the significance of Mother Mary’s birth, which fulfilled God’s plan to send Jesus as new Adam to the earth for the purification of sinners. During the mass, as per the tradition, new harvest was placed on the altar and blessed for the distribution.
Young children offered fruits and vegetables during the offertory procession. As the mass concluded, Rev. Fr. Antony P.A., Parish Priest of Al Ain Church appreciated and lauded his Konkani speaking parishioners for organizing this feast, especially the effort of Konkani Choir who really worked hard and sang beautifully during the liturgy. Fr. Antony also thanked Fr. Freddy for making time to concelebrate the mass in spite of his busy schedule.
After the mass, children and adults took a candle procession towards the grotto outside the church. As the Choir sang the traditional hymn ‘Sakkod Sangatha Mellya’ enthusiastic children venerated Mother Mary with flowers. At the end, refreshments were served to all the attendees.
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