By: Flora D’souza, Jerimeri
Mumbai, Sep 13: Almost 600 Catholic crowd gathered together on Sunday, September 10 at St Jude’s Church, Jerimeri to celebrate the feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary (Monti Fest) and also “Girl Child Day.” This event was organized by Konkan Taram, a Konkani Association of St Jude’s Church, Jerimer. This was their 32nd Monthi Fest. Ceremony began at 6.45 am with showering of flowers by children and youth, followed by mass in Konkani, main celebrant was Fr Huber Govias, parish priest Fr Alias D’Souza, assistant priest Fr John Britto, principal, St Jude’s High School and deacon Sylvester Lobo.
The children and youth took an active part in liturgy comprising readings and choir, and later, cultural programme. New corns specially flown in from Udupi was blessed on the occasion. Guest priest Fr Hubert, parish priest Fr Alias, assistant priests Fr Leo Lobo, Fr John Britto, deacon Sylvester, Sr Seema, Sr Irene and Sr Sanjana were honoured with flower bouquets.
Students who scored 70 percent and above in SSC during this academic year were felicitated with certificates, gift vouchers and flower bouquets. They are Chettiar Kelvin John, D’Souza, Fiona Leo, Lobo Melita Martin, Nadar Maria Jovin, Devar Rosario Arokiaswamy, Nazareth Magnum Maurice, Arukutty Averel Bijoy, Colacco Savio and Kunnitharayel Sylvester Sebastian. Musician John Mascarenhas and the choir group presented melodious singing and music.
John Mascarenhas compered the felicitation programme and thanked the parish priest, sponsors, donors and all the parishners for their support and cooperation.
The Konkan Taram members distributed snacks, sweets, sugarcane (sponsored by Paschal Miranda) and notebooks (sponsored by Miss Eliane Fernandes, Mira Road) to the children and parishioners.
A large number of devotees wait every year to celebrate this Monthi Fest and take part in the solemn Eucharist.
Novem Jevann and cultural programmes were held in the evening. The programme began with a prayer dance by Jazline, Pearl, Anna, Samyra, Sweedel and Alvia.
Parish priest Fr Alias being the chief guest, inaugurated the function by lighting the Lamp with guest of honour Sr Seema, president Walter D’Souza, Secretary Precilla Rodrigues and One of the most old Members Flora D’souza who is there with this association from the day one.
John Mascarenhas gave a small intro about the association and thanked the founder Members – Fr Paul Rego, John Mascarenhas, Norbert Sequeira Dubai & Wilson Pinto & also other old members who are shifted from this Parish like Ophilia, George Furtado etc. He also thanked the current active 36 members of the association for their understanding, cooperation and support by which the Association is running smoothly and completed its journey of 32 years conducting various Konkani Cultural, Social & Liturgical events from time to time.
Traditional Pan phod and Goddudak served by Cultural Secretaries Anita Fernandes & Mercin Miranda. Members - Mercin, Precilla, Anitha, Leo, John Rod & Flora presented Dances, Skit presented by Gacy, Sevrin, John Rod &Elias, “MONTI FEST’ Song by all Women Members of the Association, Youth also presented a Dance and entertained the crowd. Secretary Precilla Rodrigues thanked the Members of the KT – Flora, Juliana & Paschal and Fr. Alias felicitated them with a Gift for their highest collection of sponsorship. Blessed Novem mixed with Milk served to all.
Fr John Britto and Sr Seema appreciated the Konkan Taram team for this wonderful feast celebration followed by Noven Jevann by putting in their hard work to make this event a great success.
Flora D’Souza thanked all who supported & cooperated to arrange this Monti Fest (Mass & Novem Jevan) like Fathers, Sisters, our Donors, Youth & Children.
Parish Youth Liza D’Souza and Clayton Mendonca compered this programme in fluent Konkani. They entertained the crowd with their jokes and various games.
The programme ended with Laudate singing followed by mouth-watering delicious vegetarian Mangalorean dinner, which was served on banana leaves by John Meals.