Simon Lasrado

Bangalore, Sep 8: St Peter's Konkani Kutam (SPKK) celebrated Monthi Fest (Nativity of our Blessed Virgin Mary), at St Peter's Church, Bangalore on Thursday, September 8, with a grand Holy Mass in Konkani at 8.30 am, to a crowded gathering of devotees.

Fr Praveen Pinto OCD(Carmalitte) celebrated the Holy Mass. Before the Holy Mass, the honouring of Blessed Virgin Mary was held with the children gathering around the statue of our beloved Mother Mary at the entrance of the church.

As the choir sang the beautiful Konkani hymn, 'Moriyek hogolshiyam', the children showered beautiful flowers on Our dearest ‘Mother Mary’. Fr Praveen Pinto held a small prayer service and this was followed by the traditional blessing of the 'Novem' (new paddy), after which the Holy Mass commenced.

After the Mass Secretary of SPKK Mrs.Matilda Lasrado proposed the vote of thanks. Breakfast was served along with 'Novem' mixed with 'Coconut Milk’ outside the church. In true Mangalorean tradition, sugarcane was also distributed to all those who attended the Mass.

The 'novem' was arranged by Capt Monis of Infant Jesus Church,Viveknagar. Flowers for the altar and sugar cane were brought by William D'Souza and Kevin Colaco. Flowers for the altar were contributed by Felix Saldanha and Robert Lewis.Many members contributed generously towards the expenses notably Mrs.Chitra Aiyappa a non Catholic, who decorated the vases in the Church.The wonderful choir, which sang with so much enthusiasm throughout the service, was conducted by Joe Mr.Vinod Mascarehnas and his dedicated team.

The President of SPKK Mr.Joachem Saldanha expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed and actively took part in the celebration. On the whole, the Monti Fest was celebrated by SPKK, Bangalore, in a very grand and traditional way, with the support of all the members and their relatives