Report: Norbert Cutinho
Pics: Jerald Quadras and Arnold Fernandes
Media Release
Canada, Sep 16: In celebration of Mother Mary’s birthday and the traditional harvest festival, the Mangalurean catholic community in and around Vancouver, Canada gathered together once again in good numbers. It was enthusiastically facilitated by Fr John Alex Pinto OCD at Guardian Angels Church, Vancouver. This year marked the eleventh year of the celebration.
It was indeed remarkable to witness everyone dressed in their best attire; with great devotion gathered in front of the grotto singing with joy while the little children showering flowers. The choir group led by Diogo Joanes (piano), Bernie Pinto, Veena Pinto and guitarist Kevin Misquith sang devotional songs ‘Moriek Hogolsiam’ at the grotto and ‘Sokkad Sangatha Melyan’ as we went in procession to the church for celebration of mass.
The mass was celebrated by Fr John Pinto OCD with Fr Steny Mascarenhas OCD, Fr Claude Saldanha OCD and Fr Victor Fernandes OCD. In his homily Fr Steny elaborated on the Gospel reading (Luke 14: 25 -33) 'None of you can be my disciple without giving up all that he owns'. The choir group sang choicest English and Konkani hymns which revived the memories of the celebrations of Monthi Fest in Mangaluru. Preethal Fernandes thanked the priests, altar servers, choir group and all who assisted in celebrating the mass and requested everyone to proceed to the hall for a reception.
The MC for the evening was Preethal Fernandes who briefly described Monthi Fest tradition and celebration in Mangaluru. She was very professional in keeping the crowd engaged in the celebration. Fr John blessed the noven drink and raised the toast. This year it was the local harvest like wheat and barley used for noven as suggested and arranged by Fr John. More local barley harvest was arranged by Ronald Fernandes.
The evening was very entertaining and fun-filled. It began with solo dance by Naomi Cutinho and a group dance by the three Cutinho sisters, Naomi, Nikita and Jennifer. It continued with a comedy skit ‘Vodle Vodle’ played by David Pinto, Ronald Fernandes, Gladys Pereira, Joel Sequeira and Nikita Cutinho which was thoroughly enjoyed by the crowd. Preethal entertained by conducting a group game which was participated by many.
The hall was filled by the aroma of vegetarian food majority of which was prepared by community or group cooking. Fr Steny blessed the food. It was fresh and authentic Mangalurean cuisine and the crowd relished the meal. The items in the menu was sponsored and prepared as follows:
Polov by Joe/Elveena Fernandes, Sango by Diana Fernandes, Sannas by Judith Cutinho, Don/Shalini D’souza, Sone by Gladys Pereira, Moog by Bernie Pinto/Beryl Misquith, Benda and Tendli with cashew nuts by Dion Andrade, Vorne by Margaret/Timothy Barboza, Fruit platters by Paul/Veena Pinto, Juice and Pop by Trevor Lobo and Lemonade by the Cutinho family. In addition there was mango ice-cream, chips and samosas.
The programme concluded with game of housie and dance for the melodious music played by Norbert Cutinho.
A positive sense of service and team spirit made this celebration a grand success.
The organising committee members for this year were as follows:
Joe and Elveena Fernandes
Ronald and Diana Fernandes
Henry and Gladys Pereira
Brian and Dion Andrade and
Norbert and Judith Cutinho