Photo / News : Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Sep 9: The St John Konkani Samudai (SJKS) and with association of the Missionary Families of Christ celebrated Mother Mary’s birthday Monthi Fest with great devotion at St John Evangelist Church, Marol, Andheri here on Sunday evening.
In the beginning, thanksgiving Mass was performed in the church by diocese of Mumbai financial administrator Fr Avin Franklin. SJKS spiritual director Fr Herold Quadros participated in the Mass and blessed the paddy, vegetables offered by the new crop by farmers and distributed them to the devotees.
Later, with a procession in memory of mother nature with a decorated statue of Mother Mary, the children arrived at the John Evangelist School Hall and paid homage to the decorated statue of Blessed Mother Mary by showering flowers.
In the programme led by SJKS president Sunita Soares, SJEC parish priest Fr Anthony J Fernandes was the chief guest. Fr Andrew Mukadam, Fr Bondal Sleevaraju, principal of St John School principal Sr Victoria Sansare, Sr Agatha Rodrigues, Sr Leelavati Hivale, Br Anald Thomas was the guest of honor. The winning members and talent were felicitated and Prashant Serao (keyboardist), Ronwin Bantwal, Cyril Fernandes and sponsored were honored plant.
SJKS vice presidents Hilda Pereira and Jessy Fernandes, honorary secretary Lavina Padinjaratala, treasurer Thelma D’Sa, Jt secretary John Lobo, Jt treasurer Jaya Veera Claudy Monteiro, legal advisor Lawrence D'Souza Kemmannu, executive committee members Edwin Augustine Soares, Thomas Pereira, James Prakash D’Sa, Alice Baptist D'Souza, Claudy Francis Monteiro, Gretta Dannis D’Silva, Hilda Victor Mathias, Leena Walter Lasrado, Violet Aulis Lobo, Stephen Lewis, Prema Pramila Yalangi with other members were present.
The programme started with a children's action song. Traditional and cultural programmes were conducted throughout the programme. Members and children were entertained with group dance, song, various dance routines, skits.
Thelma D’Sa welcomed gathering. Stephan John and Lavina John traditionally wished for good fortune by offering betel leaves, nut and jaggery-water. King Edward hosted the event. Edwin Augustine Suarez gave vote of thanks. Fr Anthony J Fernandes inaugurated the event with a prayer and blessed the pure vegetarian meal prepared. The festival concluded with a traditional Noven Jevan.