Media Release
Toronto, Sep 12: ‘Monthi Fest’, or the Nativity of Our Lady, holds a special place in the hearts of the Konkani Catholic community in Canada. Rooted in tradition, the celebration brings together faith, gratitude for the harvest, family and community while honouring the birthday of dear Mother Mary.
The Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) marked its silver jubilee Monthi Fest 2026 with an evening of devotion, heritage and fellowship. The festivities began with a beautiful procession of children carrying trays of flowers, lovingly offered to Mother Mary to the accompaniment of traditional Konkani hymns, followed by a solemn Konkani Mass filled with prayer, amazing music and songs by the MAC choir and reflection.
The Eucharistic celebration was led by Fr Henry Alva as the main celebrant, with Fr John Pinto as homilist, and concelebrated by Fr Roshan Loy D’Souza, Fr Stevan Lobo, Fr Jerome Mascarenhas, Fr Cannio Cardozo, and Fr Terence Dias, with Deacon Sarfaraz Pinto assisting. Sr Ferdinanda was also present. A special blessing was offered by MAC Chaplain Fr Roshan Loy D’Souza to past and present MAC presidents and executive committee members, recognizing their dedicated service throughout MAC’s 25-year journey. The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks and the distribution of blessed candles to our generous sponsors.
With emcees Jasmine D'Souza, Evan D'Souza, Allison Peres and Waylon Mathias at the helm, the evening’s cultural programme unfolded as a spectacular celebration of faith, heritage and community, bringing together generations through music, dance and cherished memories. It opened with a tribute to MAC through its theme song and a graceful welcome dance. The children’s presentation of ‘The Miracle at Cana’ beautifully brought the Gospel story to life while highlighting Mother Mary’s love and intercession.
A special felicitation honoured Vincent and Priscilla Machado for their generosity, philanthropy and steadfast support of the Mangalorean community. His unwavering commitment to community service and extraordinary generosity have left an enduring mark on the Mangalorean community, inspiring generations through his selfless spirit, compassion and steadfast dedication. The nostalgic musical presentation ‘Moms and Dads of Mangalore’ took the audience on a heartwarming journey through the pioneers and evolution of Mangalorean Konkani music, beautifully brought to life by the community’s own moms and dads. Community sponsors were honoured for their exceptional generosity and continued commitment, whose invaluable support has helped MAC flourish and enabled the community to celebrate its heritage and traditions with pride. A group rendition of a beloved Konkani classic, Nheson Kirghi Bazu, added to the evening’s musical celebrations. Fr Stevan Lobo led the Grace Before Meals before Novem Jevan and community fellowship continued into the second half of the programme.
One of the most touching highlights was the felicitation of community seniors, honouring those who preserved traditions, nurtured families and helped build the vibrant Mangalorean community of today. Their contributions were celebrated with words, flowers, gifts, blessings and song, with members of the younger generation joining in the tribute.
MAC also presented its 2026 Scholarships, encouraging academic excellence, leadership and community involvement. Evan D'Souza received the Year 1 Fr Edwin D'Souza Memorial Scholarship Award, while Carol Pinto and Ashley Mathias were named co-winners of the University Year 2 Award. The evening’s silver jubilee awards paid tribute to the remarkable individuals and organizations whose selfless service, generosity and dedication have strengthened MAC and left an indelible mark on the Mangalurean community. Honourees included Konkan Delite (Aloysius ‘Loy’ and Judy D'Souza), Udupi Madras Cafe (Everest Vijay and Prema Dante), MAC Choir (represented by Merlyn Rodrigues and Manohar Pais), Lester Rodrigues, Fr Henry Alva, Gerry and Lucy D'Mello, and Fr Roshan Loy D'Souza, MAC chaplain.
The celebrations continued with energetic Bollywood and Konkani dance performances, followed by recognition of the emcees and the much-anticipated 50/50 charity draw in support of St Michael’s Hospital Foundation. The evening concluded with Laudate Dominum bringing the silver jubilee celebration to a joyful and spiritual close. All the volunteers, technical coordinators, artistes, make-up team, choreographers, dancers, parents, children, photographer and the entire community were thanked whose time, talent and support made the celebration a success.
More than a celebration, Monthi Fest 2026 was a reminder of what binds generations together: faith that keeps one rooted, culture that keeps one connected, and community that keeps the heritage alive. As Mangalurean Konkani Catholics gathered in prayer, music, gratitude and fellowship, the silver jubilee Monthi Fest beautifully reflected the enduring spirit of a community united in faith and tradition.