Managlorean Catholic Community of Sohar
Pics by Deepak Pereira
Mangalorean Catholics from Sohar, Oman celebrated the feast of the nativity of the Blessed Mother Mary also known as Montifest in Konkani on 11th
St.Anthony’s catholic church, Sohar. The programme was organized by members of Mangalorean Catholic community of Sohar (MCCS). Community members gathered in large numbers near the grotto. The program started with rosary followed by blessing of “NOVE “. The children showered flowers with humn “Moriyek Hogolsiya”. This was followed by a procession led by small children from the grotto to the church.
The mass was celebrated by visiting priest Fr.Stany Goveas from Gulbaraga district of Karnataka. Fr.Stany is presently working as a missionary in Bidar. The parish priest Fr.Johnson welcomed Fr.Stany to Sohar church and thanked him for celebrating the Holy mass. He shared his happiness and gratefulness that he got an opportunity to celebrate this wonderful festival with members of the Konkani community of Sohar. He also gave a good sermon on significance of Mother Mary in the bible. The choir for the mass was led by Mr.Franky monis along with Konkani members
Mr.Lancy Goveas gave the vote of thanks on behalf of MCCS , thanking Fr.Stany, Fr.Johnson, the Konkani Choir, families who prepared the Noven Jevaan and all those who helped in making the arrangements and contributing financially in celebrating this Nativity feast.
The specially prepared cake was cut by Fr. Stany to commence the birthday celebration of Mother Mary. The gifts bags were distributed to the kids.After the mass, all mangaloreans gathered in the church hall and Fr,Stany blessed the Noven (New crop) and Mr.Richard Dsouza gave a speech on Montifeast.
The variety entertainment programme organized by Mr.Deepak Dsouza with spot games and live music . Some of the old memorable romantic songs sung by MCCS members enthralled every one. All the community members had delicious traditional Mangalorean food with variety of vegetables. Noven was served in specially prepared Vorn which is the traditional sweet prepared during Nativity feast. All the members of the Konkani community enjoyed thoroughly and at last after the end of the meal all of them sung the Latin prayer Laudathay’.
The dedicated efforts, the incessant enthusiasm and the constant unity of the Konkani community of Sohar, resulted in the grand success of the celebration.