Media Release
Dubai, Sep 10: With great joy and devotion, the Konkani Community of St Mary’s Church (SMMC)here, celebrated Monti fest, the feast of Nativity of mother Mary on Thursday September 5.
The grotto was decorated with the colorful lights and the church was decorated both in and out to give a pleasing festive appearance.
The spiritual preparation for the feast was preceded by nine days Novena preaching and flower strewing attended by a huge number of faithful along with children. Nine days homilies were centered on the virtues of mother Mary.
On the feast day, the church and the premises were filled with over 8000 faithful devotees. Fr Denis Saldana blessed infant Mary in the cradle (traditional Palki), beautifully decorated. The beautiful tunes of melodious band by 'Konkan Taara Brass Band' with children, altar servers, eucharist ministers, SMMC core members and the priests marching forward in procession with flowers, lighted candles, fruits and vegetables, Novem and palki created a heavenly ambience on earth.
The new corn was blessed at the grotto of the blessed virgin Mary and great honour of flower strewing by the thousands of children was a beautiful sight. The solemn eucharist was presided over by Fr Jawahar Jerry Cutinho. The priests from the parish representing different languages and communities concelebrated and enhanced the festive joy. Fr Jawahar preached an insightful and heart touching homily. He narrated a short history of Monti fest and invited all the faithful to celebrate this traditional feast in their families and recreate the joy of graceful family life.
'St Cecilia Choir' elevated the hearts of the faithful by singing melodious hymns during the service. Fr Denis Saldana thanked all the donors, well-wishers and the people involved in making this celebration a grand success by honouring them with the blessed candles.
After the holy eucharist 'Novem Jevan', a traditional dinner, prepared with a variety of vegetables was served to more than 6000 attendees. ‘Sweet Vorn’ was enjoyed by all. The whole celebration and festive dinner were indeed well organised by hundreds of committed and dedicated Konkani community volunteers. Church ushers sodality members too lent their helping hands.
On this joyous occasion 'Monti Sobhan', a variety entertainment programme was arranged by SMMC, Dubai on Friday September 6 evening at the Bishop Bernard Gremoli Hall. Dubai’s popular compere Sweeny D'Souza initiated the event with a brief introduction. A troupe of small girls 'Filii Dei' in their beautiful attire under the guidance of Lanita Noronha glorified mother Mary with their devotional performance. Wilfred Mathias welcomed the guests on stage, Fr Denis Saldanha, the spiritual director of SMMC and Fr Jawahar Jerry Cutinho, the guest priest from Mangaluru along with SMMC coordinators.
Fr Jawahar stressed on unity in families and motivated the family feast of such accord. He appreciated SMMC’s effort to organise the traditional feast in a great manner. Fr Denis Saldanha appreciated the Konkani parishioners of St Mary’s Church for their active involvement in spiritual and cultural activities in the parish. The former core members Jerina Lewis, Boniface Carlo, Philomena Pereira, Josly Pinto Loyson D’Cunha and Josna Martis were thanked for their selfless service in the past years and were honoured with momentos. SMMC coordinator Diany D’Souza delivered the vote of thanks.
For the cultural event, renowned troupes like Ocean Kids Dance and Music Institute, Konkan Yuva and Arun and group added zest to the entertainment programme with their well-choreographed fusion dances.
Well known dramatist groups ‘Konkan Yuva’, ‘Konkan Tara’ and Pradeep Barboza’s ‘SMK team’, exhibited excellent comedy skills with their few amusing skits. All the artistes and choreographers of the dance teams were honored with flower bouquets. The two-hour grand entertainment programme with a packed audience was a well-organised event, appreciated by all.