Pictures by Aaron D'Souza/Reece Martis
News by Jeevan Tauro

Canada, Sep 12: The Mangalorean Community from Vancouver celebrated Monthi Fest this year on September 10, at the Immaculate Conception Church, Delta with great zeal, fervour and devotion.

Fr. Alwyn along with Fr. Jerry and Fr. Rajesh blessed the corn which was provided by Gaulbert and Ida Cordeiro. The melodious choir, along with the crowd, sang Moriyek Hogolsiyan while the children in their festive best, holding baskets of flowers were happily offering flowers (Fula Udonche) to our dear Mother Mary. This was followed by the procession to the church for the solemn Mass.

The Grand Mass was celebrated by Fr. Alwyn and co-celebrated by Fr. Jerry and Fr. Rajesh. Melodious hymns were sung by the choir which was well organized under the direction of Diogo Joannes. The gospel readings were read by Tanya Pinto (English) and Diana Fernandes (Konkani); Prayer of the Faithful was read by Jason Monteiro and the Offertory Prayer was read by Lauren Monteiro. The Mass was followed by Reception in the Parish Hall where it started with a prayer and the novem was served. The Emcee for the evening was Lance Monteiro who kept the crowd engaged and entertained with his impromptu spot prizes.

After this there were a few entertaining performances, first a dance on Mother Mary's hymn and then a medley of Bollywood numbers. The kids; Sharlene Pereira, Cherry Martis, Lauren Monteiro, Keiyona Tauro, Chris Martis, the dashing Ruhin Tauro and the ever cute Naomi Cutinho, gave a stellar performance under the guidance of Choreographer Joanne Monteiro, assisted by Flavia D'Souza. There was also a Comedy Konkani Skit which left the crowd in splits. The skit was performed by David Pinto and Jeevan Tauro.

There was finger licking food prepared and served by the Community Members which was enjoyed by one and all. There was Bingo which was engaging and entertaining at the same time. The Music and Sound was handled by our very own DJ Norbert Cutinho.

There was finger licking authentic Manglorean food prepared by our community members. Thank you to all the cooks and the volunteers who helped in making this event a grand success.

All in all it was an evening to remember and was successful under the guidance of the Committee Members for this Year: Paul and Veena Pinto, Erica and Ronald Martis, Lance and Joanne Monteiro and Jeevan and Ranjana Tauro.