By Flora D’Souza, Jerimeri
Mumbai, Sep 21: Konkan Taram - Konkani Association of St Jude’s Parish, Jerimeri, Mumbai, is well known for Konkani cultural, liturgical and social activities in Mumbai for the past 25 years. The birth of this association took place during the Monthi Fest and hence they celebrate Monthi Fest every year along with the anniversary of their association.
This year they celebrated their 25th Monthi Fest (Birth of Mother Mary) at St Jude Parish on Sunday, September 13 at 7 am. The mass was preceded by the procession with the Bambina of the Blessed Infant Mary and later with the strewing of flowers. The corns (Novem) was blessed by Fr Lancy Pinto, Parish Priest. The sole intention of the entire celebration was to join together as one family in soul and mind, take part in the celebration of this auspicious occasion and share in the joy of the Birth of our Lady. More than 300 Parish children carried flowers for Mother Mary and offered the same according to Mangalorean tradition with the traditional hymns like “Sokkad Sangata Melyam and Moriek Hogollsiam”
Fr Lancy Pinto gave a heart touching sermon on "Save Water" and "Save Girl Child". He said Water is the most essential source of life on the earth as we need water in every walk of life like drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, growing crops, plants, etc. We should save water for proper supply of water to future generations without contaminating it. We should stop misusing water and we all must understand the importance of clean water on the earth and try our best to not involve in the water wastage instead involve in saving it.
He also highlighted the importance of girl child. In the Indian society, girl children are considered as the curse from the ancient time. The answer is very clear and full of fact that without a girl child, boy child can never take birth in this world. Then why people do lots of violence againt women and girl child. Why they want to kill the girl child before taking birth in her mother’s womb. It is very clear that a girl child always become blessing for the society and reason for the continuation of life in this world. We worship many female Goddesses at various festivals however never feel a little bit of kind to the women living in our home. The girls are pillars of the society. A small girl child can be a good daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a teacher, a nurse, a Nun. Why the eyes are not being open of the people even after many surprised truth and facts about girls. Fr Lancy also congratulated all the girls as this day was also celebrated as 'Girl Child Day' and said that keeping equality among boys and girls is important.
Melodious singing was presented by the Konkani Choir Group consist of Leo, Glavin Fernandes, Mercin, Jacintha, Juliana, Gracy, Maggi, Irene D and Irene M, Trizza and Sevrin under the leadership of John Mascarenhas and Shaun Harris.
The readings, prayers and all liturgical parts were arranged by Mumbai educated small children trained by Melonie Cordeiro. Fr Lancy congratulated all the Children who has participated and urged each one to respect our mother tongue and keep the spirit of konkani ‘alive’.
During felicitation programme, SSC toppers who scored 70% and above – Rachael Fernandes, Hansie Cordhero, Celine Nadar, Anjali Chettiar, Pricilla Chettiar, Alton Pereira, Elizabeth Vakipillai, Priyatarshini Nadar and Steffi Chettiar were honoured with a Gift Voucher and Certificate of Appreciation.
On behalf of Konkan Taram - Wilfred, Renita, Raymond and Maria honoured Fr Lancy, Fr Gabriel, Sr Dominica and Br Kanika Das. Special honour and a gift was presented by the Priests to Flora D’souza for arranging Corns from Mangalore, Books for children and also for collection. Juliana Mascarenhas and Monica Rodrigues also honoured for their highest collection. Treasurer John Mascarenhas thanked all the donors, Priests, well wishers and KT Members for their support and cooperation. Fr Lancy honoured John Mascarenhas for over all feast arrangement and conducting Choir.
Different parts of stage programme were compered by Flora, John Veigas, John Mascarenhas and Leo Fernandes.
Sugarcane, snacks, sweets, corns were distributed to all parishioners and the Note Books to children.
In the evening, 25th Silver Jubilee year inaugurated by lighting the Lamp by Chief Guest Fr Nelson Saldanha (Parish Priest of Infant Jesus Church, Pant Nagar), Fr Lancy Pinto – Parish Priest of St Jude’s Jerimeri, Committee Members of KT – Melonie Cordeiro, Jacintha D’souza, Leo D’Souza, Walter D’souza, John Mascarenhas, John Veigas and Flora D’Souza. Fr Nelson with his blessing wished the association every success.
As cultural part, Konkan Taram Members along with small kids and youth entertained the crowd by variety of programmes like songs, dance and skit.
Thereafter, the gathering was redirected to have lunch popularly called as the 'Noven Jevan'. This meal primarily symbolizes the unity and love that people, irrespective of their origin, joined together to share the meal as one family. The delicious food was served by Elias Caterers.
The program ended with 'Laudate' followed by Baila Dance for Konkani, Hindi and Marathi Numbers.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Flora D’souza, the Gen Secretary of the Association.
It was a vibrant and an eventful evening. It is the unity, dedication and commitment of the Konkan Taram Members that led to the grand success of this event.