Report: Victor Moras
Pics: Santhosh and Joel
Muscat, Sep 21: The Konkani Catholic community of St Francis Xavier Church, Salalah, Sultanate of Oman, celebrated Monthi Fest on September 14 in a traditional way. Fr Stephen Lewis was the celebrant of the Konkani Mass.
The day’s liturgy began with the blessing of the new paddy as the choir led by Loy Mendonca and Michelle Moras sang the melodious hymn, ‘sokkad sangatha melyam’. This time baby Mary was showered by the beautiful coloured roses provided generously by Roydon Castelino. Odi and Sandra Fernandes had decorated the Altar. The liturgy was done by the community ladies. Glenisha and Clara Pinto did the readings. Anitha pais sang the keerthan and prayers of the faithful were read by Felcita Fernandes.
A short celebration preceded the cultural programme to fecilitate Fr Stephen on his 50th birthday. Loy and Michelle sang a beautiful song to wish him good health. The cultural programme included a welcome dance by Wilma and a comedy skit by Victor Moras, Samantha D’Souza, Roshan Andrade and Joel Almeida. Housie Housie was conducted by Sandra Fernandes. The day’s programme was emceed by Anitha Moras. Fr Johnson, the parish priest, gave away the prizes. The traditional grinding of the blessed corn and prayer were done by Fr Johnson. The audience sang ‘Laudate’ to mark the end of the programme.
The speciality of the day was the delicious meal cooked by the community members. ‘Not a grain of rice was wasted’ was the general comment heard among the people. Mention must be made of our community ladies such as Latha Suares, Margaret Serrao, Anitha Moras, Sunitha Vas, Sunitha Mendonca, Helen Pinto, Samantha D’Souza, Gladys, Sandra, Clara Pinto, Wilma Almeida and Benita. Thanks to Avinash and Joel for providing the traditional sugar cane, Naveen Serrao for the PPT and music and Santhosh and Joel for the photography.
The tireless work coordinated behind the scenes made the programme a success. Latha Suares (president), Anitha Moras, Victor Moras, Rajesh Suares, Odi Fernandes, Alwyn Vas, Roydon Catelino, Roshan Andrade, Wilson Pinto, Alwyn D’Silva and many others had worked for many days to make the ‘Monthi Fest-2023’, traditionally beautiful.