Report and Pics: Oswald M D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Sep 12: Konkani Community of St Joseph’s Parish, Abu Dhabi solemnly celebrated the Feast of Nativity (Monthi Fest) with traditional zeal and gaiety at the St Joseph’s Cathedral premises on Thursday September 12 evening in the presence of a sea of devotees.
The outdoor ceremony commenced with small children and teenagers showering colourful flowers to show their love and affection towards infant Mary. The impressive sight was eye catching with little kids thronging around the graceful statue of Infant Mother Mary with basket full of fresh flowers, enthusiastically participating in the spectacular ceremony singing the traditional “Sakkad Sangatha Melyam ani Mariyek Hogolsiam”, which echoed in the church premises, the rhythm filling the air creating a blessed ambience.
Despite the harsh humid weather the devotees attended in large numbers in the church premises. The new corn (Novem), specially flown all the way from Mangalore for the occasion was blessed signifying the new harvest. .
Later the statue of Infant Mary was taken near the designated place near the Main Altar by KCO’s founder President Leo Rodrigues along with the current President Bennette D’Mello carrying the blessed corn.
This was followed by a concelebrated Mass offered outdoor in the sprawling Cathedral premises by Fr Valerian Fernandes – Capuchin spiritual Director of KCO and other Konkani prayer groups, who is also resident priest at the Bishop’s House along with Fr Clifford Fernandes – Capuchin visiting priest from the province of Karnataka. The service was attended by a large gathering of devotees. In his Homily Fr Clifford highlighted virtues of Mother Mary and importance of prayer in the family life..
As the symbol of new harvest, fresh fruits, flowers and vegetables were offered during the Mass by young children.
The Konkani Choir, with melodious hymns specially arranged and conducted for the occasion under the direction of Lena Fernandes, along with the talented singers of the parish was commendable and elevated the spirit of the occasion.
At the beginning of the Holy Mass Fr Troy of St Joseph’s Church appreciated and thanked the Konkani Community for their enthusiasm and outstanding services towards the parish and lauded the devotion of the community towards Mother Mary and his connection with India during his seminary days.
KCO’s current president veteran Bennette D’Mello felicitated Fr Valerian on his 50th Birthday which co-incided during the occasion. Fr Fernandes thanked those who contributed towards the day’s function and appreciated the help of all those who selflessly volunteered towards the ceremony, specially members of KCO for their leadership in organizing such an event every years. He also made a specially mention of the Konkani Chori and other Konkani groups as well as the untiring dedicated ushers of the parish.
The blessed new corn (Novem) was distributed to all devotees after the Mass.
As per KCO’s tradition, light refreshments were served to all the attendees, symbolizing the spirit of unity and sharing among families on this special occasion. The celebration relived the memories of back home, wherein families join in and have a vegetarian meal together along with the Novem.
It can be recalled that the nativity feast in Konkani was initiated by KCO (Konkani Cultural Organization) almost 19 years ago and has become a permanent fixture every year and KCO’s efforts in uniting people of the community is appreciated by all. The arrangements made by KCO were excellent and spirit of unity was evident among the devotees.