Report & Pictures by: Oscar Rego
Dubai, Sep 15: UAE’s St Mary's Welfare Association of Shirva (USWAS) celebrated the Nativity Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Monthi Fest) at Winchester Hotel, Bur Dubai on Friday September 12th under the leadership of President Mr. Denis Mathias.
More than 200 Shirva Parishioners were gathered to celebrate the Monthi fest. Mr. Nithin Castelino the Master of the ceremony briefed the gathering about the importance of Monthi Fest. A warm welcome was addressed to the gathering by the President Mr. Denis Mathias.
The traditional celebration commenced with a procession headed by Mrs. Merlin Fernandesand Mr. Benedict Fernandeswho carried the statue of infant Mary and ‘blessed Novem’, which was specially flown from Shirva parish for the occasion. Prayer to worship Mother Mary was led by Mrs. Felcy Mathias followed by offering flowers by children, young and elders while singing the hymns ‘SakkadSangathaMellyam&MoriyekHogolsiam’. Blessed Novem mixed in milk was served to all. Children were offered with sweets, Cakes and gifts.
Four newly wedded couples from Shirva Parish Rohan and PreethiMenezes, Ivan &SherlyArahna, Loyal & Vinita Pinto andRitesh&Sweeta Pinto were honoured and blessed by Sharan Dsouza and Vincent Corda on behalf of USWAS.
USWAS founder member and active member Vincent Corda&PrecillaCorda, who have completed their 25 years of married life (Silver Wedding Anniversay) were honoured& blessed by president Mr. Denis &Felcy Mathias. Senior members Paul Menezes& Lilly Menezeshonoured and blessed our present president Mr. Denis &Felcy Mathias on their Silver Wedding Anniversary.
bouquets were presented to wellwishers Mrs. LavinaQuadras& Family, Mr. Maxim Ferrao&Family, Mr. JoelTauro& Family, Mr.Bernard & Irwin Saldana, Mr. Thomas D’souza and Mr. Benedict Fernadnes. President Mr. Denis Mathias in his message spoke on how Mother Mary has given him success in his life and wished the same to all.
The cultural program commenced with a dance performance from sisters Hannah and Sarah Mathias. Marsha Menezesalso gave stunning dance performance. Boskyambyagar group (Denis Mathias, Diana D’souza, Joel &LavinaTauro, Sandeep Saldanha, SharanD’souza, VilmaSaldanha& Manu) entertained the crowd with entertaining skits. Band Eagles consisting our USWAS active member and music composer of YoMoga fame - Prashant Sequeiraalong with Melwin&JoshalD’souzaentertained the crowd with some wonderful Hymns, Konkani songs and Hindi Songs.
Various spot games and Housie Housie were efficiently conducted for kids and adults by Mr. Nitin Castelino.A sumptuous traditional vegetarian meal and vorn was served to all. The program concluded with grand baila. The gathering made all the Shirva members to feel as a united family yet again.
Note : USWAS Future Progammes picnic on 14th November 2014 and Festh on 13th February, 2015.