from Wilfred D’Souza
for Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi (SM)
New Delhi, Oct 8: Kanaraites residing in and around New Delhi celebrated Monti Fest at Kristu Raja School Hall here recently.
The day's programme started with the mass in Konkani at 10.30 am. Fr Victor D'Souza, the vicar general of the Archdiocese offered the solemn mass. Fr Charles D’Souza, Fr Henry D’Souza, from the CBCI and Fr Alwyn D’Souza, CBCI and other guest priests concelebrated in the mass.
Fr Victor in his sermon explained the meaning of Nativity and also guided all the people to have true love and concern for one another.
He further expressed his joy over the large attendance of the KCA members, who took part in the mass. He also said that Monthi fest is a family festival. This togetherness in the name of our homeland may continue to grow and bring us closer to each other, he added.
At the end of the Mass "Novem" (new corn) which arrived form Mangalore was blessed. The little children honoured Mother Mary by showering rose petals, while elders sang ‘Moriyeek Hogolsiya', hymn.
Fr Vincent Concesao, the Arch Bishop of Delhi, presented the educational awards. He also gave away prizes for the children who won in the games conducted by Bennet Pinto.
At the AGM, Martin Pinto, the outgoing president welcomed all the members and Col AJ Periera, secretary read out the annual report and briefed the house about the activities that the committee organized in the previous year.
Josline Martins, treasurer read out the accounts report. Martin proposed the vote of thanks.
The following were unanimously elected for the year 2007-08 as the executive committee: Fr Alwyn D'souza as spiritual director, Irine D'souza, president, Veronica Alice and JF Lobo, vice-presidents, Dorothy Pereira as secretary, Herold Rodrigues as treasurer and Vincent Menezes, cultural secretary.
The day ended with family fellowship where everyone was served with subsidized non-vegetarian meal. Some 300 members attended the function.
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