News: Melwyn and Gail Sequeira

Pics Nelson D’Souza

Canada, Sep 23: The traditional harvest festival that coincides with the Nativity of Our Blessed Virgin Mary was not to be forgotten by the Mangalureans and Goans of Toronto. September 14 witnessed a grand celebration of the Nativity of Mary along with the harvest of the new corn.

The members of the Konkan Organisation of Toronto (KOT) gathered at the Church of St Lawrence the Martyr, Toronto at 6.30 pm for Holy Mass, which commenced with a Eucharistic celebration with Fr Roshan D’Souza as the main celebrant. A very meaningful and touching message was preached by Fr Francis Noronha in the homily. Melwyn Sequeira, Wilfred Martis, Raphael D’Souza, Antony Castelino, Clementina Castelino, Mariette Monteiro, Pam Rebello, Rohini Furtado, Greta Mendonca sang melodiously in the choir led by Carmin Castelino, backed by Connell Lobo on the drums and accompanied by guitarist, Barry D’Souza and Gavin Moniz on keyboards, lending a musical touch to the singing. Melwyn Sequeira welcomed the gathering and spoke about the significance of the feast while Claudia Lobo rendered the vote of thanks and urged the faithful to proceed to the procession around the Church which would culminate in the offering of flowers to Mother Mary whilst singing Sakkad sangatha melyan and Moriek hogolsiyan. The colourful display of flowers by the children brought back sweet memories of our childhood when children in thousands would line up to offer flowers over the nine-day novena. The Knights of Columbus led the guard of honour before the Mass.

The executive committee led by the president Melwin Lobo, put together a well-planned cultural programme following the Mass. Wilson D’Souza, the emcee, led the celebration in a meticulous manner. DJ John Sylvan added flavour to the extravaganza with his apt and captivating music. The programme began with the introduction of the Executive Committee, followed by a grand march. Melwin Lobo welcomed the gathering and spoke of the importance of the feast as a family feast and likened the KOT to a family away from home. He stressed the need for the members to build the family and celebrate the essence of the family through the feast. He also spoke about the activities of the KOT for the development of youth and culture in the foreign land.

The new corn, blessed at the Mass was divided and mixed with the coconut milk to be shared with the audience. Fr Roshan D’Souza blessed the novem before it was distributed to the gathering. The sponsors were presented with a candle as a token of gratitude.

Marvin Fernandes, Mariah Fernandes, Kaelyn Fernandes, Emma Fernandes, Ceana Monteiro and Kiara Monteiro danced to the tunes of Nach Nach by Kevin Misquith and had the entire audience roaring and applauding and cheering the tiny tots. This dance was choreographed by Claudia Lobo and Melissa Gracias. Raina and Alwyn Pinto along with Runelle and Sushanth D’Souza presented a fusion dance and every member in the audience felt the urge to get up and dance. The highlight of the evening was when the executive committee danced to the tune of kednago kedna, the popular Konkani song. Diana Serpes had the audience enthralled by her beautiful rendition of Claudia, mogachya. Myra D’Souza was accompanied by the guitarist Maskie Fernandes in a duet song, Contrad sasnacho. Francis Cascia, all the way from Mangalore, enthralled the gathering with his humour. Spot prizes, a Biblical quiz and American Housie kept the spirit of the evening high. A raffle draw was held and the prizes were the most sought after electric appliances.

Andrea D’Souza was awarded a scholarship for her University education. The scholarship amount was contributed by Dr Carol Castelino. Dr Carol is a doctor by profession and practices in the US. In her absence, Alston, her brother, presented the scholarship to Andrea and urged her to keep working hard in the pursuit of excellence.

The evening ended with a sumptuous meal provided by Konkan Delite. The meal included pathrode, beans, chickpeas, tendli, lady’s finger, the traditional cucumber salad, fish and rice. The always anticipated vorn, was served as dessert, tickling the taste buds of everyone gathered for the celebration.

The cherry on the cake was the dance session after the meal which had the entire audience dancing to the tunes of the most famous Konkani and Hindi songs giving a feel of home in India. All in all, the celebration was well appreciated and hosted 250 guests not only from Toronto but also from Mississauga and Brampton.