Daijiworld News Network - Muscat
Clarence & Dilip Correa
Muscat, Sep 8: It was simply a glorious celebration of spiritual devotion and grandeur of great cultural extravaganza. Truly, Mangalorean traditions were perfectly exhibited in a devotion to our beloved heavenly mother in a language of our own - Konkani.
In fact, this is the 19th glorious year of Monthi Fest celebrations in Oman at the Sts Peter and Paul Church - Ruwi. Ever since Mangaloreans of Ruwi Parish, started this tradition and celebrations in Konkani, more and more Konkani speaking people in more and more places and parishes have started similar Monthi Fest Celebrations.
This evening, Sts Peter & Paul Church compound was beautifully decorated with glittering lights. Michael Lobo and his team had built an altar at the grotto with special artistic effects and traditional touch.
Just before 8 pm, Konkani speaking children and of the other regions gathered in the main hall with baskets of flowers. For those who could not bring flowers, there were plenty of flowers made available by the organizers. Each and every child was excited with joy and eagerly looking forward to adore and glorify their beloved Heavenly mother with colorful flowers.
The showering of flowers ceremony commenced at the decorated altar at 8.30 pm. Fr J B Saldhana performed the ceremony of blessing of the Bambino (Statue of Infant Mother), new corn brought from Mangalore and holy pictures. “Sokkad songatha mell’eam” and then “ moriyek hogoll’shiyam” hymns showered glorious moments back to the atmosphere with full enthralling mood in adults and children. Children showered flowers with complete reverence to their Heavenly mother. Nelson D’ Silva, prominent activist of the community, anchored the ceremony. Staney Freda Soares and Jerald Ida D Souza were the symbolic “pirjenth” of the celebrations.
After the showering of flowers, Holy Mass celebration commenced in the church. Fr. J. B. Saldhana, visiting priest from St Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore Diocesse was the main celebrant. Holy mass was concelebrated by Fr Chacko Manniserril, Parish Priest of Sts Peter & Paul Church – Ruwi, our own Mangalorean priest in Oman and Assistant Parish Priest of Sts Peter & Paul Church - Ruwi, Fr Albert D Silva and Fr Felix Ferao, Assistant Parish Priest of St Anthony’s Church Sohar.
Fr . J. B. Saldhana in his homily expressed strong point of having heavenly mother as our guide and protector. He gave examples of motherly love of human mothers and then, compared the same to Heavenly Mother. He also stressed faithful to give importance to the family values. He remembered the help and cooperation extended by the expats to the development of native place and thanked them in a special way.
Holy Mass commenced with the introduction and welcome address by Clarence Pinto. The holy readings were presented by Dilip Correa and Catherine Dias. Suraj Rebello, proposed the Vote of Thanks.
Konkani Choir, led by renowned musician Herald Rasquinha was at its best presenting some of the finest and traditional hymns. Choir was able to inspire many faithful to participate in the holy mass with full devotion.
After the mass holy pictures were distributed to all the faithful and treat packets were given to all the children.
People were very happy and greeting each other – Bhagi Monthi Fest Tumkam. It was a grand celebration touching the traditions of our motherland in our own mother tongue and expression of devotion to our Heavenly mother.