Media Release
Sharjah, Sep 18: St Michael's Mangalorean Konkani Community (SMMKC), here celebrated Monthi Fest on September 12.
Almost 700 children offered flowers to mother Mary and nearly 3,500 Konkani Christians participated in the grand celebration.
The celebration was initiated with a 9-day novena which was held from September 3 to 11, which included three days of Konkani Spiritual retreat – the 'Triduum'.
Fr Alban D’Souza (parish priest, Stella Maris Church, Kalmady, Udupi diocese) led the community in prayer throughout the retreat and the nine days of novena. Also, a 'Night Vigil' was held on Thursday September 5.
On Thursday September 12, the evening celebration started with a traditional brass band, led by Ramiro Mascarenhas, playing melodious tunes of hymns in the church compound welcoming the people to the celebration. The grand celebration started with showering of flowers by children at the grotto of mother Mary.
Fr Alban D’Souza led the prayer ceremony at the grotto. The children showered flowers on mother Mary to the tune of 'Moriyek Hogollsiyan'. The traditional 'Khanshi' was blessed at the grotto and then brought into the church in procession by the priests, altar servers, lay ministers and members of SMMKC represented by Joachim Menezes, Anitha D’Souza, Lawrence Monis, Deepak Lobo and Amitha Rego. The statue of Infant Mary was carried ceremoniously by Canute D’Souza (on behalf of Martin Aranha, CEO, Globelink West Star Shipping LLC).
The solemn high mass was presided over by Fr Alban D’Souza and con-celebrated by Fr Varghese Chempoly, parish priest, St Michael's Church, Sharjah, Fr Stephen Lewis – Spiritual director of SMMKC and Fr Melwyn Lobo, guest priest from Mangaluru (Manjeshwar parish).Godwin D’Souza led the choir during the holy mass, which was much appreciated and applauded by the entire gathering. Fr Alban D’Souza blessed the 'Novem' mixed in milk and the same was distributed to the gathering.
After the holy mass, cake and juice were distributed to the gathering while the brass band kept the audience entertained. Meanwhile, the stage was set for the much-awaited cultural programme which was mastered by Ronald Olivera.
The programme started with a welcome dance by little children which was choreographed by Prameela. The welcome dance was followed by a short stage programme which saw felicitation to the priests, main sponsor, support sponsors, well-wishers and the community leaders for various services. The main sponsor of the evening was Martin Aranha, CEO, Globelink West Star Shipping. On his behalf, Canute D’Souza, manager – Airfreight, was felicitated and all other sponsors were also felicitated with flower bouquets.
Caesar’s Confectionary, Al Rawabi Juice, Romana Water Company and Tiffany Food Company were specially felicitated and thanked for their valuable support to SMMKC by sponsoring cake, water, juices, biscuits, croissants and other goodies to children during the novena days and on the feast day. The committee also recognized and honoured Salvadore D’Souza, senior member of the Konkani community, who served selflessly for the cause of the church and the Konkani community throughout the year.
SMMKC co-coordinator Joachim Menezes welcomed everyone on behalf of the committee. Spiritual director Fr Stephen Lewis addressed the gathering and congratulated the SMMKC committee for organizing such a wonderful and memorable celebration. The cultural programme continued thereafter and consisted of some amazing performances which kept the audience thoroughly entertained.
There was a total of four dances, two skits, one medley, one Goan dance. The dances were by – Arun Almeida and group, Konkan Yuva group and Prameela D’Souza and group. One skit was enacted by Sangon Mugdhana Kalakar and one by Vivien Lobo and team.
A beautiful medley of songs was presented by the team of Juliet, led by Nirmala Pereira, with Avin on the keyboard. An upbeat Konkani dance number was performed by the Goan community, led by Joel.
The programme ended with a DJ Music session which consisted of a variety of music leading to mesmerizing mass dance by the parishioners.
The evening ended with a sumptuous buffet dinner of traditional 'Novem Jevan' and everyone went home with fond memories of a grand celebration.