Report by: Clifford Lobo, Toronto

Toronto, Sep 13: Despite the celebrations being a week later, this year's Monthi Fest celebration in Toronto saw record numbers in both registration and attendance with nearly 300 gathered from the growing Konkan community in Toronto/GTA to honor and celebrate the birth of Mother Mary, traditionally known as the Feast of the Nativity.

With KOT’s mission is dedicated towards bringing people (both long-time residents of Toronto and recent newcomers) together thus creating a vibrant community that is focused on providing support and celebrating cultural traditions as one big family.

“We take pride in our Konkani culture, which is deeply rooted in our daily lives. Our faith connects us to the global community and strengthens our bonds wherever we go” was a strong message from the president, Melwyn Sequeira at this year’s event.

The program began at 2:30 pm with a large procession and showering of flowers, and hymns at St Martin de Porres Parish, Scarborough, Ontario. Fr Henry Alva, Fr Rajesh D’Souza, Fr Anthony Gonsalves and deacon Terence Rebello celebrated the mass with a sermon on the importance of deepening our faith and relying on Mother Mary to help us and teach us to share the love, mercy and compassion.

Following the Mass, the celebrations continued at the West Rouge Community Centre in Scarborough with a vibrant cultural program. The evening, which began at 5 PM, kicked off with the blessing of the Noven, followed by a welcoming message from the KOT president. The children of the community then performed a heartfelt welcome song.

This year's performances were a true display of talent from all ages, from children to youth performing songs and dance. The event also took a moment to celebrate academic & community service excellence with Dr Carol Castellino presenting an award to Rayden Monteiro with a Scholarship award.

Guests enjoyed a traditional Konkan cuisine catered by Konkan Delite from Mississauga. The evening concluded with a lively dance session featuring both popular Bollywood hits and traditional Konkani & Baila songs.

The Konkan Organization of Toronto extends its heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors whose generous donations made this event possible. With a beautiful display of community spirit and gratitude for this year’s blessings, KOT now looks to expand its service and involvement further in more areas to bring the community closer.

Volunteer and Sponsor List

We sincerely thank all the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this year's event a huge success.

Hall Setup:

Angelica Fernandes, Avielle Gracias, Cassielle Gracias, Claudia Lobo, Connel Lobo, Emrielle Gracias, Jasmine Liyanage, Keith Castello, Kristina D’Silva, Lorien D’Souza, Lovina Fernandes, Melvin Lobo, Melissa Monteiro, Mitch Lobo, Myra D'Souza, Nyrissa Liyanage, Raphael D'Souza, Roger Monteiro, Runelle D’Souza, Siona D’Souza, Stefan Ramdasa, Sushanth D’Souza, Wilfred Martis, Edwin Castellino, Keith Castellino, Roger Monteiro,

Kitchen Volunteers:

Dorothy Pinto, Marie Monteiro, Clementina Castellino, Anita D’Souza, Carmen Castellino, Monalisa Menezes, Grace D’Silva, Myra D’Souza, Roger Monteiro, Edwin Castellino, Nyrissa Liyanage, Stefan Ramdasa

Choir:

Melwyn Sequeira, Crystal D’Souza, Leema Martis, Myra D’Souza, Raphael D’Souza, Wilfred Martis, Carmen Castellino, Lorien D’Souza, Tina D’Souza

Mass Organizers:

Maskie Fernandes, Marissa Fernandes.

Lectors:

Eric Patrao, Herman Pinto, Angelo Gracias

Eucharistic Minister:

Sushant D’Souza

Altar Servers:

Luke Sequeira, Zaelynn D’Souza

Sponsors:

Scarborough Dental Services, Esther Financial, Catholic Cemeteries & Funeral Services, Trinity Auto Collision and Repair Center, Papa Simons Bakery, OYA! Barista, Clementina Costa-D’aguiar Barrister and Solicitor, Citican Financial Corp, CDI College, Rubicon Juices, Candice Serrao Real Estate, Homes By Veneel, Mortgage Brilliance Corporation, Jerry's Authentic Mangalore Spices and Mel Immigration Services.