Media Release
Dubai, Sep 13: On the occasion of popular Mangalorean family feast Monti Fest, a variety entertainment program was arranged by St Mary’s Church Dubai’s new Mangalorean Konkan organization St Mary’s Mangalorean Community (SMMC) Dubai on 11th September evening in the Church Main Hall.
Master of Ceremony and SMMC’ s Liturgical Coordinator Clement Cardoza, initiated the event with brief introduction and welcomed on the stage the Spiritual Director Fr Robert Lasrado, guest priest Fr Olmes Milani, Parish Council Vice President Ed Buhey accompanied by SMMC Core Team : Oswald Fernandes, Jerina Lewis, Clement Cardoza, Josly Pinto, Edwin Rego and Loyson D'Cunha.
SMMC Core member Josly Pinto rendered welcome to all the attendees. Fr Robert, Fr Olmes and Ed Buhey were honoured with flower bouquets. SMMC Coordinator Oswald Fernandes narrated a brief report on SMMC’s accomplishments and impending plans for the Konkan community of St Mary’s Parish. A cake cutting ceremony was carried out by Spiritual Director, guests and SMMC Core team. Spiritual Director Fr Robert Lasrado in his message stressed on the unity in the families and motivation of family feast for such accord.
Two Konkani Albums were released on this occasion. Ajith Peter Dsouza’s ‘Tem Yevenchya Velar’ was inaugurated by Fr Robert Lasrado and Norbert Pereira’s ‘Maga Utor’ was by well known entrepreneur of Dubai - Joseph Mathias. Ajit Douza and Joseph Mathias thanked SMMCs support for their respective Konkani music ventures.
SMMC’s Vice Coordinator Jerina Lewis thanked all the contestants who participated in the various competitions organized by SMMC in the earlier week for the Monti Fest and announced winners to whom the awards were distributed to all the winners. Two of St Mary’s parishioners - Adrian Peries, Church Sacristan and Alan Dsouza, Volunteer were felicitated for their support and assistance for the St Mary’s Konkan Community.
The cultural event started with a Welcome Bharatanatyam dance well performed by Lanita Noronha. Thereafter various dances were performed by Vinette Lobo & Group, little tots Lenon Dsouza & Group and beautiful Damini DSouze captured the hearts of audience. Renowned organizations like Brain Box Institute, Arun’s Feet Beat Dance Group and Konkan Yuva also added zest to the entertainment programs with their well-choreographed fusion dances. Singing Contest winners Leora Dsouza and Jenica Pinto displayed their wonderful singing talents. Skit competition winners Sydney Lewis, Josly Pinto, Lancy Noronha and Jecinta Dsouza proved their acting talents by enacting their award winning humorous skits. Melwin Kalakool and group exhibited their excellent comedy skills with their few amusing skits.
Event concluded with SMMC Secretary Loyson DCunha rendering vote of thanks. Juice and snack boxes were served to all the attendees.