News: Norbert Cutinho
Vancouver, Sep 18: The Mangalorean Catholic community in Vancouver and surrounding cities in Canada gathered together in celebration of the 10th annual Monti Fest on September 8 at Immaculate Conception Church in Delta BC under the spiritual guidance of Fr Jerry D’souza OCD (Pastor of St. Edmond’s Church Vancouver). It was a sight to watch little children showering flowers as the choir and the people sang ‘Sakkad sangatha melyan’. Despite the rain, people attended in good numbers. The congregation went in procession to the church and offered flowers to Mother Mary at the Altar. The mass was concelebrated along with Fr Jerry by Fr Claud Saldanha OP, Fr Vincent D’souza OCD and Fr Rajesh Madtha OCD.
‘Ephphatha!’ Be opened (St. Mark 7:31-37) was Fr Jerry’s message during the homily. He further emphasised that we should open our hearts and rise above and beyond our human nature. Fr Jerry sang happy birthday to Mother Mary. Fr Vincent sang keerthan in a melodious voice. The choir group was led by Diogo Joanes and co-ordinated by Sanjeeth Cordeiro and Veena Pinto in singing choicest Konkani and English hymns. Aaron D’souza thanked the priests, choir, altar boys and all who attended and requested everyone to proceed to the parish hall for a reception.
The organising committee members joined together in the hall in welcoming and thanking everyone for the co-operation by singing ‘Namaskar’ song. The song was led by Joyce D’souza who was the MC and participated in most of the entertainment items of the evening. Fr Jerry spoke about the importance of Monti fest and raised the toast with Noven which was prepared by Clarrice Saldanha. The vote of thanks was delivered by Fr Jerry. The evening was fun filled by various entertainment programs. The participation in entertainment included people of all ages.
The entertainment programme began with Children’s Konkani masala folk dance participated by Erick Lasrado, Naomi Cutinho, RuhinTauro, Cherry Martis, Chris Martis, Nikita Cutinho and Jennifer Cutinho.
It was beautifully choreographed by Sharel Pereira who spent considerable amount of time and effort patiently training especially the little children.
The MC all-rounder Joyce D’Souza, kept the crowd entertained with Konkani songs and jokes.
The young and dynamic ladies performed a Fusion dance which was applauded by the crowd which included Flavia D’souza, Jennifer Lewis, Joanne Monteiro, Aishwarya Ajgoankar and Eshvir Karwal.
It continued with a remarkable musical by Ladies Sezaarchi Group (depicting birth to death life cycle) performed by Ida Cordeiro, Gladys Pereira, Lita D’souza, Dr. Erica Alex, Judith Cutinho, Nancy D’souza, Joyce D’souza, Shanthi Dias and Flavia D’souza. This musical theme was conceived and directed by Judith Cutinho.
The crowd was totally amused by a Konkani skit ‘Gai’ played by David Pinto, Gladys Pereira, Joel Sequeira and Renson Lasrado.
The delicious, traditional and sumptuous food was prepared and sponsored by the following families:
Sone, Karathen, Koromb and Sango by Ida Cordeiro, Gladys Pereira and Diana Fernandes
Moog, Lonchen, rice and fruit punch by Lancy and Nancy D’souza
Kuvalo Polov was by Joe and ElveenaFernandes
Dukramaas by Brian Andrade and family,
Sannas by Judith Cutinho and Jesse D’souza
Vorn by Timothy and Margaret Barboza
Fruit platter by Shanthi Dias
Chips and fruit baskets by Ronald and Diana Fernandes
Mango Ice Cream and lemonade by the Cutinho family
The wine was sponsored by Brian Andrade and family. Team led by Brian Andrade, well managed the kitchen and served food, wine and drinks.
The photographers for the event were Arnold Fernandes and Reece Martis and the videographer was Jeevan Tauro.
The entertaining evening was concluded by a game of housie and dance.
The following were this year’s organising committee members:
Lancy and Nancy D’souza, co-ordinators
Norbert and Judith Cutinho, co-ordinators
Gaulbert and Ida Cordeiro
Joseph and ElveenaFernandes
Henry and Gladys Pereira
Ronald and Diana Fernandes
Brian and Deon Andrade
Shanthi Dias