Daijiworld Media Network-Doha
Doha, Sep 9: Come September 8 and the entire Konkani speaking Community of Qatar are found within the premises of Holy Rosary Church. It is one of the most awaited day among the Mangalorean expats working and living in the oil-rich country of Qatar.
The members of the Konkani speaking community came together in unison to celebrate the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Catholic Church of our Lady of the Rosary, Doha Qatar, on Thursday evening September 8.
The main celebrant of the solemn festal mass was Bishop Gerald Lobo, Udupi Diocese, concelebrated by Fr Pius James D'souza Carmelite who was the main preacher during the novena days and Fr Anand Castelino, the most admired spiritual director of the Konkani Speaking Community.
In the festal homily, Fr Pius James D'souza said, “The Konkani speaking people be it from Goa or Mangalore are good people of the community. They don't think of harming others and this was possible because of the blessings showered by the almighty on the Konkani people. Konkani people have kept many customs and traditions alive and these are all centred around prayer.”
“Along with blessings, there is a lot of negativity that has entered our daily lives which could be fought only through prayer and being close to the almighty,” he added.
His homilies and preaching during the novena days was appreciated by one and all present for the novenas as the subjects of preaching were made interesting and interactive through stories, real life examples and demos. He took the devotees on a spiritual journey during these nine days with his powerful and touching reflections on the Word of God.
A well-trained, melodious Mangalorean choir by St Cecelia’s choir was surely the highlight of the celebration. Jerald D'mello and family was the ‘Pirjent’ for the Monthi Fest. The new corns brought in from Mangalore were blessed and distributed to the devotees after the mass. ‘Pirjent’ as well as sponsors of each day of the novena and those who contributed their mite in making this a meaningful celebration were presented with ‘Manachi Vaat’.
A short stage programme was held after the Eucharistic celebration. Bishop Gerald Lobo, Udupi diocese, Fr Pius James D'souza Carmelite, Fr Anand Castelino, Vivian D'souza the president of the Konkani Community, 'Pirjent' Jerald D'mello were present on the dais.
Vivian D'souza welcomed the gathering and Sunil D'silva compered the stage programme. Prizes were distributed to children who won prizes in the drawing competition held on the occasion of Monthi Fest.
Bishop Gerald and Fr Pius were felicitated on the occasion on behalf of the Konkani Community of Qatar. President of Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) Prakash Noronha, President of Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA) Arthur Pais, President of Goan Welfare Association (GWA) Simon D'silva were felicitated by the bishop on the occasion.
In this message, bishop spoke about the recent message given by the Pope on children. He reminded the community about how children spend their time today and called upon the parents to be alert and give time to their children. He also said that today was also the celebration of womanhood.
“Every woman is precious. She unites family and instils devotion among the family members. It is therefore our duty to respect every woman and take care of her every moment,” he said.
The grand festal celebration came to an end with a pure vegetarian family dinner.