Report: Dr Lynn D’Souza
Pics: Chris Monis and Santhosh D’Mello
Boston, Sep 16: Mangalorean Catholic Association-New England (MCA-NE) in collaboration with Belle Vision USA, celebrated the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, traditionally called Monthi Fest by Mangalurean Catholics, on Sunday September 6, at St Mary’s church, Chelmsford MA (Suburbs of Boston MA).
Over 120 people from over 7 states across the US, joined in this auspicious celebration, which began with the traditional ‘flower offering’ to Mary, accompanied by singing ‘MoriyekHogolsiyan’. After which, everyone processed to the church with the statue of Infant Mary, and joined in the Konkani Mass concelebrated by Fr Maurice D’souza , who had flown all the way from Cleveland OH to be with the Mangalorean community, and Fr Pinto Paul from Easton MA. Fr Maurice, highlighted the historical significance of Monthi Fest, and its relevance today, to Mangalureans living away from home.
After mass, the celebrations continued in the parish hall. Authentic Mangalorean snacks and refreshments were served. The welcome address to the guests was delivered by DrLynn D’Souza, President of the MCA-NE. She particularly thanked the Priests for their spiritual guidance and extended a welcome to them, and urged them to partake in the celebrations in the years to come. A special welcome was extended to the Chief guest of the event, Ivan D’Souza, MLC who had flown all the way from Mangalore to join the celebrations.
After Fr Maurice and Fr Pinto addressed the guests, Ivan D’Souza spoke to those gathered, and complimented them on the achievements of Mangalureans in the US, and urged them to go back to their homeland and establish themselves on their home ground. He assured them of his complete support in any way that he could.
This was followed by a variety of cultural events by participants of all ages. The highlight of the evening was a Konkani skit by Fredrick, Santosh and Felix. Games were conducted by Priya and Loy D'Souza.
Keeping up the tradition of the harvest festival, authentic Mangalorean vegetarian dinner was served, catered by Stany Ferrao. The Novem Jevon was a delectable spread of 9 dishes followed by ‘Vorn and Holige’ as desserts.
After dinner, all the guests were lured to the dance floor by the catchy beats of music, by DJ Irwin D’Souza and Clayton Monis.
Before the event was wrapped up, there was a distribution of toys for tots by Victor Sequeira.This was a well acclaimed gesture amongst all the children, who enjoyed ‘Santa in September’.
President of Bellevision-USA Felix Noronha thanked everyone present for making the event a grand success.