Pics: Savious Crasta
Media Release
Doha, Sep 8: Konkani Speaking Community (KSC) Qatar celebrated Monthi Fest at Our Lady of Rosary parish, here on Friday evening, September 4, in traditional Mangalorean style. The festal celebrations were preceded by a 9-day novena beginning from August 26. The guest priest, Fr George Monis OFM Cap India, took the congregation on a spiritual journey during these nine novenas with his powerful and touching reflections on Word of God and with the theme of Mary to Jesus.
In preparation for the novenas, a one-day Konkani retreat was conducted on Aug 21 at Alverna Chapel, inside Religious Complex, Doha. The ongoing Weekly Bible Quiz winners were awarded with good prizes.
A melodious Mangalorean Konkani choir by St Cecilia’s choir group and Good Shepherd choir group were highlights of the novena celebrations. For one day, the novena was celebrated with the participation of the Children’s Choir, which added a special touch and beauty to the celebration.
The parish priest, Fr Paulraj Devaraj OFM CAP, Fr George Monis OFM Cap India, Fr Nelson Lobo OFM Cap Kuwait and Fr Rosario Colaco OFM Cap Qatar, spiritual director of KSC-Doha concelebrated the grand Eucharistic celebration and delivered festal message to the congregation. Parish priest Fr Paulraj addressed the devotees and gave Monthi feast wishes.
New paddy sheaves brought back from Mangalore were blessed and distributed to the congregation after festal Eucharist.
After the mass, a cultural programme began at Our Lady of Arabia Hall. KSC vice-president Arthur Pais welcomed the gathering before speaking on the occasion. Visiting priest Fr George Monis was the chief guest of the evening. Fr Rosario, Fr Nelson and the chief guest were escorted to the stage by KSC president. Fr George Monis was felicitated with a shawl in appreciation for his spiritual service in the 9 days novena.
Feast Murdhom, the feast and the nine days novena sponsors were honored with blessed candles by the chief guest.
The cultural programme began with a prayer song performed by the children, which brought the spirit and joy of the Monthi Feast to the atmosphere. The prayer song was trained by renowned Konkani singer Veena Remimbus Pais.
Cultural programme continued with beautiful dance numbers from Peora D’Lima, Tamara Antao, Kiara Antonella Crasta, Eniyah Fernandes, ?Jeconiah Fernandes, Haley Judy Lobo, Ranica Wiyona Lasrado, Pearl D’Lima, Angelina D’Souza, Sancia Pais, Riyola Pais, Janelle Antao, Leora Ivanna Pinto, Raizel Wilona Lasrado. The dance was beautifully choreographed by Jyothi D’Souza Noronha.
Like a cherry on the cake, the sizzling dance by ‘Doha Dance Squad’ entertained the audience. The dance was brought to life by Raison Premus Ferrao, Shown Carron Fernandes, Glen Rohan D'Sa, ?Anet Noronha, Minal Karishma Monteiro, Joylyn Jasmin Lobo, Sean Colin Fernandes, ?Jostna Rishitha D’Souza. The dance was choreographed by Sean Fernandes.
The Goan dance cheered the audience throughout the performance. The dance performed by Sebastiao Soares, Libby Fernandes, Atilia D’Costa, Renna Ferrao, Velencio Gomes, Roseferns, Maria Alves, A Francis Netto, Larissa Abraham, Anton Gomes, Monalisa Dias and Peppy Lobo. The Goan dance was beautifully choreographed by Libby Fernandes.
The live band performed by Mangalorean Team brought the audience to dance on the floor. The live band troupe included Maverick Norbert Mascarenhas on the drums, Figo Rodrigues on the keyboard, Leah Fernandes on the guitar and well renowned Konkani singers in Qatar Carol D’Souza, Christle Pinto, Paveen Omzoor, Rupert Lobo, Ullas D’Souza, Santosh D’Cunha, Wilson Mendonca, Veronica Barretto, Prameela Monteiro and Westrin Joyline Lasrado joined in as vocal singer.
The evening programme ended with sumptuous dinner in Mangaluru Monthi Fest traditional style. KSC Committee president Edna Veigas proposed the vote of thanks and Carol D’Souza compered the full cultural event with her versatile Konkani language command.