Media Release

Bahrain, Sep 7: Friday, September 6 will be remembered by one and all in Sacred Heart Church Bahrain Parish for the solemn celebration of Konkani Catholic Community’s Monthi-fest. The entire Parish Community came under one roof to celebrate the feast united in the spirit of brotherhood and fellowship.

Record number of devotees along with children attended the nine days Novena and Mass in preparation for the feast conducted by visiting priest Fr. Joel Lopez, commenced on August 28. Fr Joel’s nine days’ homilies centered on the virtues of Our Blessed mother. His preaching was very practical and full of conviction which resulted in attracting nearly a thousand people every day. It was indeed great joy to see hundreds of children and tiny tots offering flowers to Mama Mary daily.

The feast Mass on September 6 was attended by around 3,000 faithful. The service commenced at 8.15 am at the outdoor stage, with blessing of new corn by Fr Joel Lopez along with parish priest Fr Xavier, Konkani community spiritual director Fr Darel Fernandes and the assistant priests of Sacred Heart Church. This was followed by floral offerings to Blessed Infant Mary by the children to the singing of traditional hymns Sokkod Sangatha Meliam and Moriek Hogolsiam.

A grand procession then led the congregation to the Sacred Heart Church where the solemn feast Mass was held and was concelebrated by Fr Joel Lopez along with Fr Xavier, Fr Darel and other priests in attendance. Candles were presented to the Pirjent and Muddoms.

Fr Joel, in his homily spoke about the motherhood of Mary, who inspires us to live a life of humility and love, who was born sinless, lived sinless and assumed into heaven sinless. The choir organized by Freddy D'Souza and Sandra Castelino was well appreciated and helped the congregation to participate in the celebration meaningfully. Spiritual Director of the Konkani Community Fr Darel thanked Fr Joel and the participating priests and all those involved in organizing the Novena and feast services. At the end of the feast mass congregation was then served with traditional roce prepared by Irene Dsouza mixed with newly blessed paddy and refreshments.

A short cultural programme was then held in the Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium which began with an invocation dance by youngsters Sweeta, Ruth Maria, Ferel, Rebecca, Angel, Sherline, Alvita and choreographed by Preetham Acharya.

Fr Joel, Fr Xavier, Fr Darel, Fr Savio, along with other priests and Carmelite Sisters were then led to the stage by Konkani Community Leader Henry Castelino for the cutting of the cake which concluded with brief addresses by Fr Xavier, Fr Darel and Fr Joel.

The congregation was then treated to the feast of dazzling dances by the ‘Sea Guys dance crew’ by Crystal, Roydon, Michelle, Susan, Lynn, Vian, Ethan, Preema and Ronith and choreographed by Ajay Lobo and Melcom followed by a Goan folk dance by Sabitha, Crispino, Dina, Desmond, Alissa and Ryan and choregraphed by Alissa D’Souza.

The next dance by elders of the community on the song ‘Denvsarachi ladin’ by Felcy D’souza, Gretta, Noronha, Piyadad Dias, Lidwin D’souza, Lavina Cutinho, Ena Mascarenhas, Stella D’Souza, Jacob Suwaris, Walter Noronha, Joseph Andrade, Maxi D’Souza, Henry Castelino, Nirmala Cardoza, Max Cardoza, Andrea Lewis and Sujay Pinto and choreographed by Elston Meneges. Menino Fernandes sang the song Bhagevont.

This was followed by rib ticking hilarious comedy skit ‘Avoichi Asha’ written by Stany D’Souza, Paladka and enacted by Hilary Tellis, Stany D’Souza, Sujay Pinto, Pramila Martis, Felcy Fernandes, Nirmala Fernandes, Savion and Sherwin, Music was provided by Prinson Machado.

After the vote of thanks by Konkani community coordinator Reema D’Mello, a lucky-dip draw was held and the prizes for these were donated by well-wishers. Mysore Bhavan catered to a sumptuous vegetarian meal. The costs of the event were covered through support from various Community members and benefactors who donated whole heartedly and extended their support as truly one united community. Sound and music was provided by Francis Lobo, photography was done by Edwin D’Souza and Roshan Kateel. Santosh Danthi, Rufus Barretto and Sharmila D’Souza compered the event.