Vilma Mathias, Shirva,
Pictures : Ritesh Pinto, Shirva
Dubai Sep 17: “Mary seeks for those who approach her devoutly and with reverence, for such she loves, nourishes, and adopts as her children." What a joy to remember that she is our Mother! Since she loves us and knows our weakness, what have we to fear?”
UAE’s St Mary's Welfare Association of Shirva (USWAS) celebrated the Monthi Fest or Nativity Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary at The Karama Hotel in Tantra Banquet Hall on Friday September 14 under the leadership of President Mr. Manoj Menezes.
More than 200 Shirva Parishioners were gathered to celebrate the Monthi fest. Mr.Canute D’souza the Master of the ceremony briefed the gathering about the importance of Monthi Fest. A warm welcome was addressed to the gathering by the President Mr. Manoj Menezes. Prayers and blessings were offered by our guest Rev.Fr.Fedrick Monteiro.
Flower bouqet were presented to our guest of honor Very Rev Fr. Fedrick Monteiro and sponsors Mr. Bernard Saldanha and Augustine Machado.
The traditional celebration commenced with a procession headed by Lilly Menezes who carried the statue of infant Mary along with ‘blessed Novem’, which was specially flown from Shirva parish for the occasion. Prayer to worship Mother Mary was led by Mrs. Veena D’sa followed by offering flowers by children, young and elders while singing the hymns ‘Sakkad Sangatha Mellyam & Moriyek Hogolsiam’. Blessed Novem mixed in milk was served to all. Children were offered with sweets and gifts. The Message of the day was given to all by very Rev.Fr. Fedrick Monteiro from Nainad. USWAS contributed 50,000/Rs towards re –building the new St Francis Assisi church- Nainad. Newly wedded couple Stevan and Jennifer Saldanha were honoured and blessed by Paul Menezes and family on behalf of USWAS.
The cultural programme commenced with an electrifying dance performance from Christina and Rosita on the item number “Jalebi Bai”. Ginelle performed on the most happening song “Chickeni chameli”.Followed by Afra Quadras who danced into the tunes of” Mala zao de”.Danica,Michelle and Nandini danced on the foot tapping number” aunty ji”. Michole D'Souza and Cleone D’sa gave a stunning performance on the number”Ringa ringa”. An ever thrilling once more performance was given by Rohan lasrado and Sandeep Saldanha on the famous track “Kolaveri”. Boskyambyagar group along with Rohan lasrado and Elias entertained with their outstanding performance on “Boskyambyagar Remix”. Canute Mathias, Joy Almeida and Prashant Sequiera entertained the crowd with some wonderful Konkani songs and excellent music.
Boskyambyagar Sharan D’Souza, Denis Mathias, Vilma Saldanha and Manoj Menezes performed short comedy skits which left the audience thoroughly entertained.
Various spot games and Housie Housie were efficiently conducted for kids and adults by Mr.Roshan Menezes and Canute D’souza .A sumptuous traditional vegetarian meal and vorn was served to all. The programme concluded with a rocking baila on the dance floor. The gathering made all the Shirva members to feel the united family bond yet again.