Media Release
Mumbai, Sep 11: The Konkani speaking parishioners of St Francis Xavier’s Church, Vile Parle (W) celebrated Monti fest on September 9. Almost 200 parishioners offered flowers to Mother Mary and participated in the grand celebration.
Leading up to the day of the feast, a 9-day Novena was held from August 30 to September 7. Fr Savio led the community in prayer throughout the 9 days of the Novena.
The grand celebration started with Mass by Fr Savio and showering of flowers by children at the statue of Mother Mary. Fr Savio led the prayer ceremony and the children showered flowers to Mother Mary to the tune 'Moriyek Hogollsiyan'. The traditional 'Khanshi' was blessed at the statue. After the holy mass, cake and juice were distributed to the gathering. Meanwhile, the stage was set for the much awaited cultural programme.
The short stage programme conducted by the Konkani Speaking Group saw felicitation to the priests and the nuns - both from Missionaries of Charity and nuns from St Joseph of Tarbes.
Parish priest Fr Savio blessed the new corn mixed in milk and the same was distributed to the gathering. Fr Savio in his speech thanked everyone who contributed towards the success of the feast.
The cultural programme was ably compered by the well-known Cyril Castelino from Malad.
While Celine Pinto organized the event, Nancy Martins gave the vote of thanks.
The evening ended with a Housie game followed by sumptuous buffet dinner of traditional 'Novem Jevan' and everyone went home with fond memories of a grand celebration.