Pics by Ritesh Pinto

Dubai, Sep 13: Jebel Ali Assisi Konkani Community (JAKC), celebrated Monthi Fest (Nativity of the Blessed Mother Mary) on September 8 at 8 pm in St Francis of Assisi Church, Jebel Ali with Mass in Konkani offered by Fr Valerian Fernandes from Abu Dhabi.

In his homily based on Pope Francis message in the Papal letter, Fr Valerian stressed on the importance of the triangle, that is, God and man, man and man, man and creation.

Fr Eugene Mattioli, the parish priest was happy on seeing the congregation filling the church to the full and thanked the Konkani Community for keeping the tradition of celebrating Mother Mary’s birthday mainly by the Mangalurean people, alive.

JAKC also spiritually prepared the congregation with a preparatory 9 day Novena in preparation for the Monthi Fest from August 30 to September 7.

Children offered the showering of flowers to Mother Mary to the hymn of “Moriake Hogolsian” at the conclusion of the Mass. JAKC provided flowers and plates to all children.

John Monteiro, president of JAKC thanked all the donors, choir group, those who helped directly or indirectly and contributed to the success of the feast.

Scrumptious buffet vegetarian dinner in Mangalurean cuisine with sweet vorne catered by Al Shaya Restaurant, Dubai was liked by all.