Media Release
Frankfurt, Sep 17: Konkani hymn 'Sakkad Sangatha Melyaa, Moriyek Hogolsiyan' resonated through the premises of St Christophorus Church in Germany’s financial capital, here on September 14 as Konkani Kutam e V took the opportunity to celebrate the feast of Nativity of Mother Mary with splendor. More than 150 members from Germany and neighboring European countries participated in the eucharistic celebrations followed by delicious traditional Mangalurean lunch and cultural events.
The festive day commenced with kids and various members gathered around the statue of mother Mary singing hymns and offering flowers in veneration. This was followed by a eucharistic celebration by priests Fr Fred Mascarenhas as the main celebrant along with concelebrants Fr Clement Mascarenhas, Fr Eugene Mascarenhas, Fr Robert Rego, Fr Richard Lobo and Fr Albert Topo. Fr Clement in his Konkani homily delivered a powerful message on 'Role of mothers in the life of children' citing the example of the influence of mother Mary in the life and teachings of Jesus. The homily in English was then delivered by Fr Eugene. The melodious Konkani choir accompanied by three guitarists and a Djembe enriched the spiritual experience.
A cultural programme was held soon after the mass and was compered by Oliver Saldanha. The gathering commenced with a beautiful welcome dance by Sr Sandra Gonsalves from the Missionary Sisters of the Queen of the Apostles. The audience was formally welcomed by the president of Konkani Kutam eV, Kevin Coutinho. Sisters of Bethany and Ursuline Sisters added color to the celebration by their presence.
The guest of honor for the day, Pratibha Parkar, Consul General of India (Frankfurt), graced the occasion with her presence and appreciated the Mangalurean Konkani community for continuing the celebration of the religious and harvest festival of Monthi Fest in the same grandeur as celebrated in India, despite being far away from home. The venue also hosted a picture of Gandhiji and the volunteers explained Gandhiji’s ideologies of peace and non-violence to the kids and Indian cultural enthusiasts from Germany.
The entertainment for the day consisted of a series of dances by various groups, including some lively performances by children. There was an exciting auction of vegetables, comedy filled skits and a round of housie. To top this, the floor was open to dance with upbeat music by DJ Stephen Lobo.
Germany has many Mangalurean families settled in the country for a long time. Cecelia Langhammer nee D’Souza, living in Germany since the last 30 years, recalled her childhood memories of offering flowers and eating sugarcane during the Monthi Fest in Mangaluru. Many expat parents were happy to introduce the traditions from their hometown to their kids. Even though Germany has different climatic and soil conditions, the family of Simon Dias and Rita Lasrado grew tropical vegetables like Ash Gourd, Bitter Gourd, Pumpkin and Bottle Gourd in their farm to be offered and auctioned at the event.
Delicious Mangalurean food was the highlight of the day and the attendees enjoyed it together as one family. All in all, the day was a great blend of solemnity and jubilance. The coordination among the volunteers of the core committee of Konkani Kutam eV, as well as the great audience made the day a memorable one.