Pics: Lloyd Dsa
London, Sep 11: For the consecutive 22nd year, under the leadership and sponsorship of Aloysius Richard Lobo and Cristine Lobo family, under the banner of British Konkani Catholic Community, supported by Konkani Kutam London (KKL). UK Konkans, prayer group and MUKA celebarted nativity fest on September 9 at English Martyrs' Church.
Fr Agnello celebrated grand Konkani mass at the beautiful English Martyrs Church at Chalk Hill Road Wembley London.
commenced with a procession and flower shower to Infant Mary with the blessing of new corn.
After the Mass, Novem brought from Mangaluru (new corn in the form of milk) was distributed to all the guests.
Kieth Lobo welcomed the gathering.
Walter Nandalike, who from Dubai for the fest was chief guest of the event. He was felicitated by British Konkani Community, KKL, UK Konkans and Muka jointly for his contribution to the field of media and promoting Konkani language and culutre throughout the world. He was felicitated with shawl, peta and bouquets of flowers. In his address Walter hailed Lobo family for organising and sponsoring this divine event single handledly since 22 years. He prayed that with the same siprit the event will contiune and reach 25 years milestone soon. He called upon all Konkani speaking Mangalurean community to unite and celebrate holy events like Montifest with big numbers in a true spirt and inspiration. He congratulated the people for attending in houseful and promoting Konkani language and culture in a spirited way.
Delicious lunch was served including homemade ‘Vorn’.
During lunch Eric Dsouza, Pius Rasquinha and Gratian D’Silva entertained the guests with Konkani songs.
After lunch Christelle Furtado entertained the crowd with beautiful classical dance to the western song ‘Shape of you’.
Action song was performed by little stars Ashton, Arvin, Calvin, Gallon, Ashlyn and Haydon.
Lianne Jacob sang 'Chanda Mama' with her angelic voice.
MC Tom conducted a name game of all the vegetables in Konkani and Irene managed to name 25 of them.
Eric Dsouza and Alice Dsouza along with UK Konkan Kids entertained the crowd with their hilarious Konkani skit.
Christelle Furtado and Carina Furtado performed another dance and entertained the guests with their scintillating performance.
Melwyn Rodrigues provided music to the event.
Highlight of the event was distribution of appreciation certificates with cash prize to students who excelled in academics. Eight students who secured distictions were felicitated by Ashok Reddy, manager of Syndicate Bank by handing over the certificates, Walter Nandalike presented cash prize and Cristina Lobo presented the flowers. Clarence Fernandes, Silia Silva, Denver D'Silva, Thelma Furtado, Joshua Rahul Padpu, Elton Richard Dsouza, Glenston Dsilva and Kevin Augustine were the felicitated students.
Aloysius Lobo delivered the vote of thanks.
Christine Lobo along with Matilda and Pramila led Laudate Dominum thanksgiving hymn.