News headlines


By Ronald D’Souza and Joe Andrade
[With inputs from Freddie and Edwin for Daijiworld Media Network]


Bahrain, Sep 10: The Konkan Harvest Festival (Monti Fest) 2007 was celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm under the auspices of the Konkani Prayer Group at the  Sacred Heart Church premises in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, on Friday 7th September 2007.   The service commenced at 1045 Hrs.

Rev. Fr. Thomas Quadros, Parish Priest, in the presence of assistant parish priest, Rev. Fr. Uldarico Camus, and visiting priests Rev. Fr. Valerian Menezes and Rev. Fr. Altimo Gomes, blessed the new paddy, specially flown in from Mangalore, in an august ceremony at the outdoor stage.      Children of all ages offered and showered fresh flowers to  Mother Mary with reverence and the whole congregation melodiously singing the devotional hymn to Mother Mary:  “Sogott Sangatha Mellia”



Later the faithful offered High Mass in Konkani, the main celebrant being Rev. Fr. Valerian Menezes. During the homily, Fr. Valerian conveyed the meaning of ‘Monti Fest’,  its significance and how it originated from the Portuguese era highlighting the important role Mother Mary played in her life time.   Fr. Menezes emphasized the importance of unity within our Community and the Parish, and stressed on the importance of Konkani language, which should be spoken in our homes with our children.   The Choir led by Menino Fernandes gave the right blend of musical grace to the whole liturgy.






After the offering of Holy sacrifice of Mass in honor of Mother Mary,  traditional sweets and coconut juice (roce) laced with blessed paddy were distributed to all the faithful gathered as a community.    This was followed by a short cultural program at the Bishop Tirinanzi Auditorium, that included a folk dance by little children entitled “Nach, Nach Konkara” choreographed by Priya Mascarenhas, a comedy skit, “Souza Restaurant” written and directed by Alwyn Peris, a song in Konkani and a Mono-Act entitled, “Maim-Put” by Dominic.   The whole program was capably compered by Mr. John Rebello and the event concluded with a sumptuous vegetarian buffet provided by well known Caterer “Chef’s Corner”. 

Watch Nativity Feast Celebration Photo Albums: From Mangalore, Bangalore, Mumbai, Middle East, UK, USA, Canada.... Click Here

  

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Comment on this article

  • Abraham Coutinho, Mundkur/Bombay

    Wed, Sep 12 2007

    I learnt that there was a statue of Mother Mary in one Church at the hill top in Goa during Portugese ruling there where the Nativity of B.V Mary was celebrated with reverence and grand manner. "Monte" in Portugese means the Hill and the "Feista" means Feast which in perverted form came into Konkani as "Monti Fest". In three occasions the migration from Goa took place in the past. 1. During inquisition in 1560 2.War with Sultan of Bijapur in 1571 3.Maratha War 1683 - 1740 Most probably the major migration took place by sea route during Inquisition and the converted people who settled in southern region picked up some Dussera festival type celebration prevailing in south as it was not new for them before their conversion.

    Thus came the blessing of the New Paddy Crop(Novem) which was not against the Christian faith( Bible Reference). It continued and took the form of our culture. This, our generation took with them to foreign lands. Even there, they all come together "Sakkad Sangatam" as their parents are here. I really feel happy to read and see photographs of our people celebrating Montifest in varous distant lands through "Daijiworld". God bless you and your reports.

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  • judy nd rocky moraes, BEJAI MANGALORE

    Wed, Sep 12 2007

    Congrats,keep it up,it shows the how united the christians are in Bahrain.  Lot of improvements from the time we have left Bahrain in 2003 aftr 28yrs. for good...Keep it up ,  We are  very proud...

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