Daijiworld News Network - Muscat [Clarence / Dilip]
Sohar, Sep 17: St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Sohar covers a vast region of the Batinah Coast from Suwaiq to Shinas – Hatta Border. There are many devoted Konkani speaking people in this region and each year, they gather in this church to devoutly celebrate the unique feast of Coastal Karnataka – Monthi Fest.
This year too, on 13th September, Monthi Fest 2006 in Sohar was a grand celebration showcasing Coastal Karnataka’s tradition and culture.
Program started with recitation of Holy Rosary at 8.00 pm at the Grotto. Fr. Albert D Silva and Fr. Felix Ferrao performed the ceremony of blessing the new corn, holy pictures and Bambino (statue of Infant Mother.). When choir gracefully sang “moriyek hogoll’xiyam’ children showered flowers and honored infant Mother.
Holy Mass was celebrated in the church. Fr Albert D Silva was the main celebrant and concelebrated by Fr Felix. Sohar region’s prominent Mangalorean Richard D Souza welcomed the faithful. Holy readings were presented by Jane Richard D Souza and Peter Almeida. Vote of thanks was proposed by Deepak Pereira.
Immediately after the mass, Nativity feast cake was cut by Fr. Albert D Silva and Fr. Felix Ferrao in the church and distributed to all the faithful. New corn and holy pictures were distributed to all the faithful and treat packets given to the children.
Before the Novem Jevann (Vegetarian Meal of Mangalorean Tradition), a program was held to felicitate Fr Albert D Silva. Richard D Souza, once again welcoming Konkani speaking community, highlighted Fr. Albert’s dedicated service to the Konkani Community of Sohar region and guidance during the last three years. He also presented a “gift of love and affection” to Fr Albert on behalf of Sohar Community. There was a Raffle Draw during this function.
Faithful enjoyed the Novem Meal and greeted each other “Borem Monthi Fest.
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