Monthi Fest Celebrated in Melbourne, Australia


Monthi Fest Celebrated in Melbourne, Australia

Sunil D'Souza

Melbourne, Sep 14: Mangaloreans residing in Melbourne gathered at St Peter the Apostle Catholic Mission Church, Hoppers Crossing at 11.30 am on Sunday September 11 to celebrate Monthi Fest in all its joy and vigour.

As per the traditional practice the whole congregation and the vibrant children with flower baskets proceeded to the statue of Mother Mary and offered flowers with the accompaniment of hymns (Sokkad sangata melya and Moriyek hogolsiya). The procession to the church which was followed by the Holy Eucharist in Konkani was presided overby Fr Anil Cornelio (parish priest of Bayswater, Victoria), Fr Albano da Costa, SVD (Boxhill, Victoria) and Fr Prakash Cutinha (Assistant to the Dean, Cathedral, Melbourne). The enlightening homily during the mass preached by Fr Prakash was well appreciated by all.

Br Prakash Menezes (SVD) and Valerian Menezes led the choir. Young talent Elroy and Clemet Lobo graced the occasion with their beautiful music. The hymns were melodious and laudable. As a symbol of new harvest, fresh fruits and vegetables were offered during the offertory. Valerian Menezes thanked the gathering for their participation.

The celebrations of the day were organised in the community hall at Hoppers Crossing where all the people gathered for lunch (Novem) and cultural programme. Fr Anil Cornelio graced the meal which was lovingly prepared by many of the people who had gathered for the celebration. Traditional “Vorn” added to the delicacy of the food. Sugarcane was distributed to all. Elias Mascarenhas enlightened the gathering on the relevance and importance of the Feast of Nativity. Stephen D’Souza was the compere for the programme. He, along with Fr Prakash, kept the gathering entertained with their sense of humour. There was strong participation in the singing competition which followed, the results of which are:

Under-15 Category

1st prize - Dwayne Fernandes

2nd prize - Fay D’Souza

3rd prize - Jill D’Souza


Above-15 Category

1st prize - Reena Veigas

2nd prize - Reena Lobo

3rd prize - Arun Vaz


Duet Category

1st prize - Sunil D’Cunha and Reena Veigas

2nd prize - Arun Vaz and Sunil D’Cunha

3rd prize - Colin Fernandes and Reena Lobo


The singing competition was followed by folk, cultural and western dance performances by people from different parts of Melbourne Mr and Mrs Sandria Manoj D'Silva brought back the nostalgic memories of Mangalore with the songs of late Wilfy Rebimbus which was well appreciated by the gathering. The programme came to an end with vote of thanks from Stany Martis which was followed by Baila dance.

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Natasha, Mangalore

    Mon, Sep 10 2012

    I live in Melbourne and was wondering if there was a Melbourne Mangalore Association that meets once a month?

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  • Valerian Menezes, Moodubelle/Melbourne

    Mon, Sep 19 2011

    We did our best.We do agree that the hall was small.We learn from mistakes.It is going to be perfect next year.Thanks for your feedback.We look forward to a huge crowd in the coming years.

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  • Paul J. Colaco, kirem/clayton

    Sun, Sep 18 2011

    Yes, I agree with Mabel. There was a bit of commotion in the beginning in the hall as there was not enough space for all of us to get seats. The MC quickly took matters under his control and kept it flowing…. Hats off!! The mass was fantastic, beautiful choir and sermon.

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  • sophia cornelio, Mumbai/Australia

    Sun, Sep 18 2011

    well done,we enjoyed a lot, we wish all the members and organizers who supported this beautiful celebration to have a huge success.we look forward for many more to come and make new friends in melbourne.thank you

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  • Lavina Martis, Moodubelle/Melbourne

    Sat, Sep 17 2011

    Congratulations to Fr. Prakash and the commitee members for organising such a wonderful event. Thumbs up to everyone who contributed in making this event a huge success. Special thanks to Fr. Anil, Fr. Albano and Br. Prakash.

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  • Mabel Pereira, Kinnigoli / Melbourne

    Sat, Sep 17 2011

    It was a wonderful event. The mass was meaningful and the choir superb. Cultural programme was good. The MC did a commendable job from start to finish for the smooth flow of events. Looking forward for next year ...

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  • John Farias, Kallianpur/Melbourne

    Fri, Sep 16 2011

    Dear Valerian, Stany, Philomena, Elias, Jane, Sunil thank you for your efforts in organising such a memorable event. I felt I was in my native place not in Melbourne specially during eucharstistic celebration in our mother tongue Konkani, beautiful hymns. Fr. Anil, Fr. Prakash and Fr. Albano thanks for such a spiritual experience. Fr. Prakash your sermon was very inspiring. Overall it was a great event we all enjoyed it so much. Thank you for conducting Mass as well as cultural programe in Konkani. Wish you all the best and looking forwards to future events.

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  • Jossy Fernandes, Nellikar/Melbourne

    Fri, Sep 16 2011

    Very well done.this celebration bought back my childhood memories,I felt like i was in my hometown.I am very grateful to fr.prakash,fr.anil,br.prakash and all the others who made this event a great success.Well done.looking forward for many more to come.

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  • Jane Wilson Winstina Winslet, Baikady / Melbourne

    Thu, Sep 15 2011

    Wow! Had a real good time. Hats off to all the organizers with well directed guidance from Fr. Prakash. Hope we will be havinng many more celebrations like this.Thank you all.

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  • Reena vas, Mangalore/Melbourne,Australia

    Wed, Sep 14 2011

    Well done!!! Hats off to the organizing committee headed by Fr. Prakash cutinha, fir organizing such a successful n meaningful programme. Thank u for all your hard work & looking forward for many m more to come.

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  • Ashok Fernandes, Mudarnagady/Abu Dhabi

    Wed, Sep 14 2011

    Hello Fr Anil Cornelio, nice to see you in Daijiworld.com, after long time.

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