Pics: Imanuel Colaco

Media Release

Ahmedabad, Sep 18: Catholics of Mangaluru and of South Kanara district, residing in Ahmedabad, assembled at Mount Carmel High School, Navranpura to celebrate the Nativity of Mother Mary – Monti Fest.

They started with singing and showering flowers to baby Mother Mary followed by procession and then Eucharist. Five Mangalorean priests, Fr Harold Pinto; parish priest of Deesa catholic church, Banaskanta district, North Gujarat, Fr Jerry Siqueira, parish priest of St Xavier’s Loyola parish Ahmedabad, Fr Ronnie Sanctis, SJ, assistant parish priest and youth in charge of Anand parish, Gujarat, Fr Joseph Pinto; Missio ad Gentes (Neo-Catechumenate) of Ahmedabad, Fr Nelson HN D’souza; 200 tribal youth in charge & parish priest of Palanpur district-North Gujarat celebrated the Eucharist in Konkani language which was full of spiritual charm and devotion to Mother, the gift from Jesus Christ.

Steven Rebello and Pramila Rebello lead the Konkani choir; supported by melodious music from Fr Vincent D’souza & team, which mesmerized the devotees. (Fr Vincent D’souza is the director of St Xavier’s institute of performing arts, Ahmedabad.)

Sr Meena, superior of Mount Carmel High School, Navragpura, gave us the venue. She also led the Mother Mary’s birthday cake cutting/wishing ceremony with girl children (September 16 being girl child day). Cake was cut by senior most couple Ligory and Benny D’silva in company of girl children and youngest couple present.

The Mangalurean community was nostalgic meeting old and new brethren and enjoyed the native sweet dish; Vorn and distinctive Monti fest menu.

Games for all groups and housie too was conducted by David Colaco (sports responsible of Mount Carmel-Navranpura) assisted by Hector Siqueira and Martin D’Souza.

Irene Gonsalves compered the programme.