News and Pics by Prescilla Braggs

Pune, Sep 18: Mangalorean Catholic Association (MCA), Pune organised a Monti Fest celebration at Christ the King Church, Sainikwadi, Pune on Sunday, September 15. Programme started with the Novena and Showering of 'Flowers' Infant Mary at Mother Mary's grotto of the church at 10.15 am. Then the crowd moved to the church in a procession singing traditional hymns to Our Lady.

The packed church reverberated to the hymns and praises of the congregation, and to the lilting choir and music led by  MCA members, SVD and DNC brothers. Fr Joe Mathias,director NVSC and Spiritual Director of MCA was the main celebrant. Fr  Lancy D’ Silva (the parish Priest), Fr Royal Nazareth, Fr Godwin Saldanha, Fr Ivan Dsouza, Fr Pradeep Pinto, Fr Henry Almeida , Fr Ivan Almeida, Fr. Vincent Crasta concelebrated the mass. Walter Rosario, Secretary  thanked the clergy and the congregation for their devout participation in the Eucharistic service. Entire Liturgy was organized by Edna Rodricks and Stephen Lobo.

After the mass the cultural programme was organised at 'Bishop Dabre Hall' of the church. The entire congregation was distributed with the blessed paddy corn. Snacks and drinks were served.

Special guests of the programme Fr Joe Mathias and the poet Ancy Paladka along with the president Mark D'Souza, the association representatives, Aloysius Saldanha, Sabina D'Souza, Harold Lobo, Walter Rosario, Ronald Menezes and Benjamin Mathias were taken in a procession with the vibrant tunes of brass band. Flossy and Francis Quadros in a traditional attire offered 'Panpod ani Udak'  to the guests.

President Mark D'Souza welcomed the gathering and said that "on September 8 when the whole world celebrates the birthday of Mamma Mary, only the Mangaloreans celebrate the Monti Fest which is nothing but the feast of nature and strengthening the family bonds".

The guests Fr Joe Mathias, Ancy Paladka were felicitated during this auspicious occasion. Outgoing president Ronald Menezes and outgoing secretary Benjamin Mathias were also honoured. The programme was declared open by lightening of lamp by the guests

A fabulous cultural programe was organised by the members. Stephie Rodrigues, Roshny D'Souza and Michelle Fernandes initiated the programme with their Prayer dance. Little kids namely Chris Lobo, Iona D'Souza, Nialle Sequeira, Keneisha Pais, Ean D'Souza and Andrea Vaz presented a dance to the tunes of Maria Pita Che song.  'Raith ani Govlli' Dance was presented by Prescilla Braggs, Lancy D'Souza, Jerson Vas, Anilda Vas, Daisy Vas, Melwyn Castelino, Jennifer Lobo, Ronald Sequeira.

Hilarious skit "Hollentli Masti" was enacted by Senorita Rodrigues and Wilma Mendonca. Mangalore Masala dance was presented by Jovia Karmokar, Allan Pais, Janice Carvalho, Riyonna Menezes, Michelle Vaz, Malcolm Fernandes. Suryachi Kirna traditional dance was presented by Celine Lobo, Mario Pinto, Sunita D'Souza, Vincent D'Souza, Nancy Sequeira and Deven Sequeira. Bharat Matha song was sung by Jyoti Monteiro, Sheeba Borges, Elveena D’Silva, Asterilla Monteiro and Aristle Monteiro with guitar. Cinderella Konkani skit was presented by Rosma Menezes, Michelle Vaz, Riyonna Menezes, Allan Pais, Rhyne Menezes.

A small comedy drama "Moineachi Poili Tarik" written by CGS Taccode and directed by Praveen Pinto Bejai was staged by Benjamin Mathias, Shanti Fernandes, Linet Rodrigues, Bro Ashok and Bro Stany SVD.

Fr. Joe felicitated meritorious students.  Ancy Paladka, Fr Lancy D’Silva and Fr Ivan Almeida distributed prizes to the participants.

Area leaders Sabina D'Souza, Harold R Lobo, Benjamin Mathias, Baptist D'Souza, Prescilla Braggs, Ronald Sequiera, Stephen Lobo, Jerson Vas, Aloysius Saldanha, Wilma Mendonca, Philip Lobo, Henry Lobo, Edna Rodricks, John Carvalho, Jennifer Menezes, Carmine Pereira, Mark Fernandes, Roshan Rebello, Mark D'Souza and Walter Rosario were successful in mobilising more than 450 mangaloreans for the first time from different parts of Pune.

Fr Royal Nazareth said grace before meals. Stephen Lobo beautifully anchored the programme and gave vote of thanks. The programme ended with the traditional "Lavdate Domunum" Latin hymn.  Catering arranged by Mark Fernandes and Roshan Rebello.  Non stop Baila and Masala Dance was the special attraction of  the programme. The entire cultural programme was planned and executed under the leadership of cultural secretaries Prescilla Braggs and Edna Rodricks.