Judith D'Cunha
Bangalore, Sep 19: Konkani Catholic Welfare Association (RT Nagar) recently celebrated Monti Fest with Solemn Mass in Konkani.
In the beginning, celebrant Fr William Miranda OCD, provincial counselor from Sadbhavana, blessed the new corn (Novem). The Solemn Mass begun with melodious Konkani choir led by Prashant and group.
In his homily, Fr William gave the message to the congregation on importance of the family, girl child, family prayer, atleast one meal to sit and eat together as well. More importantly he gave a small piece of advice to the elder members of the family to speak Konkani and also to say prayers in Konkani and to keep the unity in the family.
Over 750 members including children took part in the Holy Eucharistic celebration. After the Mass, the congregation gathered at the Grotto to offer flowers to Mother Mary.
Sugarcane was distributed to all the children who offered flowers to Mother Mary, a tradition being followed for many years.
At the end Kutmache Noven Jevaan (fellowship) was organized. All the people partook in the family meal with variety of vegetarian dishes including Aludhento etc. ‘Vorn’, a Mangalorean sweet delicacy was served.
In preparation to this festival celebration, nine day Novena was organized. Many children along with their parents brought flowers to honour Mother Mary. Sweets were distributed during the days of Novena.
President (KCWA), Victor Edward D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks. He thanked the celebrant, Fr William, parish priest Fr Uday Kumar, the choir team, the donors, volunteers and the dedicated team of committee members.
Konkani Catholic Welfare Association (KCWA – RT Nagar) was founded in 1999 with the objective to promote Konkani language, its culture and tradition and to provide a common forum for the Konkani speaking people of Konkani origin, where members of the Association and their families can come together for social, cultural, vocational, intellectual and spiritual activities.
It has a membership of 262 Konkani families residing around RT Nagar, Bangalore. It is one of the leading members of the Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations – FKCA, Bangalore.