Pics: Savious Crasta

Doha, Sep 15: Konkani Speaking Community (KSC) celebrated Monthi Fest at Our Lady of Rosary parish, here on Friday evening, September 6, in traditional Mangalurean style.

The festal celebrations were preceded by 9-day novenas beginning from August 28. Guest priest Fr Michael Menezes, OFM Cap, Bhopal-India took the congregation on a spiritual journey during these 9-day novenas with his powerful and touching reflections on Word of God and with Mary to Jesus theme.

Fr Michael Menezes, OFM cap and Fr Rosario Colaco, OFM Cap, spiritual director of KSC-Doha concelebrated festal Eucharistic celebration and delivered festal message to the congregation.

A melodious Mangalurean Konkani choir by St Cecilia’s choir group and Good Shepherd choir group were highlights of the nine days Novenas celebration.

New paddy sheaves were brought back from Mangaluru was blessed and distributed to the congregation after festal Eucharistic. Meantime, parish priest Fr Paul Raj address the devotees and given Monthi Fest wishes.

After the Mass, a cultural programme began at Our Lady of Arabia Hall. Speaking on the occasion, KSC president Aloysius D’Souza welcomed the gathering. Visiting priest Fr Micheal was chief guest of the evening. Fr Rosario and the chief guest were escorted to the stage by KSC president. Fr Michael has been felicitated with memento for his 9 days Novena and spiritual service.

The feast patron and Novena sponsors were honoured with memento candles by the chief guest. The cultural programme has begun with melodious numbers sung by children Rachel Helma Fernandes, Reuben Harsh Fernandes, Sanuel Jayden D’Souza, Ciara Meghan Fernandes, Raizel Wilona Lasrado and Alden Cutinha. Another mesmerizing performance of Konkani Opera Rosaline by Goan De repente Ubhe team has caught the audience’s attention. The duet number Ami Dogi Sezara from Gladson Pinto Thottam and Santosh Henry D’Cunha was applauded by the audience. Another lovely performance from De repente Ubhe team Konkani Medley named ‘Konkani Mango’ has entertained the audience.

Like a cherry on the cake, the sizzling dance by Princia, Nicole, Seona, Eshal, and Dionna entertained the audience fully. The dance was choreographed by Derrick Crasta.

The live band performed by De repente Ubhe Team made the audience dance on the floor. The evening programme ended with sumptuous dinner in Mangaluru Monthi Fest traditional style by InDiQ Catering.

Children who offered flowers during Novenas have been gifted with sugar cane specially brought from India by Amith Mathias & team.

KSC cultural secretary Meena Mascarenhas proposed the vote of thanks and Ancita D’Souza compered the full cultural event with her versatile command over Konkani.