Report: Preema D'Souza
Pics: Deepak Paladka
Sharjah, Sep 14: St Michael's Mangalorean Konkani Community Sharjah (SMMKC) celebrated Monthi Fest on September 10. Hundreds of children offered flowers to Mother Mary and nearly 2000 Konkan Christians participated in the grand celebration.
Leading upto the day of the feast, a 9 day novena was held from 01st to 09th September, which included 3 days of Konkani Spiritual Retreat – the "Triduum". Fr Prakash Lobo, Spiritual Director of Asissi Nilaya Moodubelle, led the community in prayer throughout the retreat and the 9 days of novena and won the hearts of all the faithful with his simple teachings and humorous stories.
On Thursday, September 10, the evening celebration started with the traditional brass band, led by PlajuBaretto, playing melodious tunes of hymns in the church compound welcoming the people to the celebration. The grand celebration started with showering of flowers by children at the grotto of Mother Mary at 6:15 pm. Fr Prakash Lobo led the prayer ceremony at the grotto and the children showered flowers to Mother Mary to the tune of"MoriyekHogollsiyan". The traditional "Nove" was blessed at the grotto and then brought into the church in a procession by the priests, altar servers and members of SMMKC represented by Melvyn D’Cunha and Cynthia Goveas.
The mass which began at 6:45 pm was celebrated by Fr Prakash Lobo and co-celebrated by Fr Maxim Pinto – Spiritual Director of SMMKC and guest priest Fr Walter. Fr Prakash Lobo in his homily, highlighted the life and simplicity of Mother Mary and gave examples of how Mother Mary intercedes for us during our daily life. Lancy Carlo and Ramiro Mascarenhas lead the choir during the holy mass, which was much appreciated and applauded by the entire gathering.
After the holy mass, cake and juice was distributed to the gathering while the brass band kept the audience entertained. Meanwhile the stage was being set for the much awaited cultural program.
The Cultural programme started with a welcome dance by little children, to the tune of "Maaye Sorginche", choreographed by Cresilla Rodrigues.
The welcome dance was followed by a theme skit and dance by Mogachilahran Troupe. Imran Khan and Brian Fernandes choreographed the dance and the entire act was directed by Vincent FernandesCascia of Mogachilahran fame. Following this was a Goan Dance by Queenie Braganza and team.
There was a short stage programme to felicitate the sponsors and well-wishers. The main sponsor of the evening - Joachim Menezes of Felix Security Systems, Roque Rego of Arabian Falcon, Frank Lobo of Galaxy Electromechanical Systems LLC and all other sponsors were felicitated with flower bouquets. The committee also recognised and honoured some dedicated members of the community who have served selflessly for the cause of the Church and the Konkani Community namely – Simon Rego, Flora Fernandes, David D’Souza, Lancy Carlo – Choir Master, Victor Fernandez– President of Goan Committee, Faustine Alva, Maxim Menezes and Salvadore D’Souza.
Mark Denis D’Souza was specially felicitated during the programme for his recently earned "Aryabhata Award".
SMMKC President Melvyn D’Cunha welcomed everyone on behalf of the committee. Parish Priest Fr Varghese Chempolly addressed the gathering and congratulated the SMMKC Committee for organising such a wonderful and memorable celebration. Fr Felicio was also present for the cultural programme. Fr Maxim Pinto blessed the new corn mixed in milk and the same was distributed to the gathering.
The cultural programme continued with a dance by the senior kids, choreographed by Carol D’Souza. SannuMonis and team performed comedy skits and had the hall resounding with laughter. There was also a bailadance item by the senior couples. Baila songs were performed by Mogachilahran kids to the music of brass band and the programme ended with a song by Mstr. Joshua D’Souza.
During the cultural programme, the newly composed CD of Ajith Peter D’Souza "Tem Yevnchea Vella" was released by Fr Prakash Lobo. Santosh Nazareth, President of Mangalore Konkans, was also present at the occasion of the CD release.
Cultural President, Uttam Menezes, rendered the vote of thanks.
The cultural programme was ably compered by Nisha Dsouza and Ashith Pinto.
The program ended with a sumptuous buffet dinner of traditional "Novem Jevan" and everyone went home with fond memories of a grand celebration.