Report by Jerry Moras
Calgary, Canada Sep 10: Calgary Mangalorean Community celebrated Monthi Fest on September 9th, 2012 at St.Thomas More Parish, Calgary NE.
The celebration began with the blessing of Novem by Fr. William. Along with the procession Mary’s status was taken to the church with singing “Sokkod Sangatha Melliam”.
The mass was celebrated by Vicar Rev. Fr Jacks along with concelebrants Carmelite priests Fr. John Pinto, Pastor of St. Thomas More Parish, Asst Pastor Fr. Melwin, and guest priests Fr. Malcolm and Fr. William.
During the homily by Fr. Malcolm emphasized the values of Mangalorean traditions, family unity and feast of first corn.
The Children choir led by Nikita, Nicole and Rachael, sang with their melodious voices, Konkani and English Marian hymns.
After the mass the crowd gathered at the parish hall to participate in “Novem Jevchem”, cultural programs and entertainment.
The crowd was welcomed to the hall by Miss Jessica Moras, Miss. Nicole Pinto and Miss. Vishka Tauro by their welcome dance organized by Mrs. Jasmine. Master of ceremony Mr. Augustine Pereira kept the crowd continued entertaining and engaging the crowd throughout the evening.
Mary’s birthday skit by children was organized by Margret and Jasmine.
A comedy dance Amcha Bapa by Antony Tauro, Jerry Moras, Vince Pinto, Rudy D’cuhna and Jerry Rodriguez made the crowd laugh their lungs out.
Vishka, Nicole, Aaron and Nikita performed bollywood dance “Jhoom Barabar Jhoom”. Sunitha, Divya, Verita and Nathasha danced mangalorean traditional style “Daina bai” along with their partners.
Ami doggi sajara was danced by Vince Pinto and Antony Tauro.
Antony Tauro spoke few words of appreciation to the Mangalorean community for their willingness and initiative to put up this event every year.
The most important part of the programme was the sumptuous and traditional Mangalorean delicacies prepared and served by generous families in the community which included sonne, bhende, karathe, sango, moong, sanna, rice, karom, vorne, lonchem etc. ..The food was blessed by Fr. Malcolm.
Around 150 Konkani members came together as one family and celebrated the Monthi Fest and Family Day and then together shared the joy of the new harvest by drinking "vorn".
The programme wound down by Konkani masala dance The event was a successful one under the guidance of the organising committee and Fr. John Pinto, OCD.