Rome, Sep 16: Konkani Kutam, comprising of Priests, religious and laity, hailing from the western coast of India came together today at Santa Maria della Scala, Trastevere, Rome, to celebrate the Monthi Fest with great devotion and fervour. The Eucharistic celebration began with a solemn procession before the mass, by offering the flowers at the feet of Mary our Mother and singing the traditional Konkani hymns. Fr. Naveen Rebello, SVD the main celebrant presided over the Eucharistic Celebration, which was concelebrated by other 20 Konkani speaking priests, who are either working or studying in Rome.
During the homily, Fr. Naveen highlighted the wonderful qualities that Mother Mary possessed and her unconditional co-operation in God’s plan of Salvation. He also emphasized that she is a model of faith, that one can emulate in the Year of Faith, to come. The liturgy was beautifully prepared with prayers for various needs of the church and the world; the traditional Marian hymns were sung during the Mass by the choir, led by Fr. Victor Rodrigues, SVD.
After the mass, Konkani Kutam celebrated the fellowship together, by dining the “novem jevan” in Roman style. Fr. Sunil Ranjar, SJ, the Gurkar of Konkani Kutam in Rome thanked Fr. Ivan Pinto, OCD, the superior of the OCD community at Santa Maria della Scala and the OCD fathers, who hosted the Monthi Fest celebrations and all the people who worked for the success of the programme, specially for cooking the “novem jevan”. Thereafter, the new members of Konkani Kutam introduced themselves to the august gathering. Fr. Walter D’Mello, a new member of the Konkani Kutam, Rome led the people into prayer before drinking ‘novem’ and dining the ‘novem jevan’. The delicious Mangalorean dishes prepared by the members of Konkani Kutam were enjoyed by more than 100 people, who gathered for the occasion. Special ‘vorn’ was prepared, instead of the conventional ‘dolce’ of Roma.
The meaningful Eucharistic celebration in the Church and thereafter, the fellowship strengthened the bond of Konkani Kutam, who now plan to meet for Christmas
Celebrations. Arrivederci!