Report: Victor Moras
Pictures: Raja, Odi and Tyrone

Salalah, Sep 9: The Konkani speaking Catholic community of St Francis Xavier Church, Salalah, Sultanate of Oman celebrated Monti Fest on Friday, the 9th of September 2014. It was a great day indeed as the celebration brought back memories of homeland. Fr Marian Miranda and Fr Santosh Navin D’Souza were the celebrants.

The celebrations began by the recitation of Holy Rosary by Winnie Sequeira. After the rosary the congregation moved to the grotto with the melodious hymn ‘Sokkad Sangatha melyam’ in the air, children as well as adults with plates of flowers. It was a grand procession with the statue of baby Mary ably sheltered by four attendants with a huge canopy. Fr Santosh blessed the new paddy and the faithful showered flowers while the choir sang ‘Moriek Hogollsiyam’. The mass was truly grand with the meaningful liturgy and the melodious choir, led by Victor Moras and Loy Mendonca, with Vinith Antony Moras at the key board. The colorful offertory procession by small children and adults, was organized by Robert Rego.

In his homily, Fr Santosh emphasized the importance of three mothers in our life. Mother Mary as the centre of the church, our own mother as the centre of the family and the mother earth that sustains all life. It was appropriate and very meaningful in the context of the feast of Nativity. The mass became visually meaningful as Michel Pereira projected the hymns, prayers and pictures on the screen.

The blessed paddy (novem) and the Novena prayer were distributed to the faithful after the recessional hymn. The children were given gift packs that contained variety of sweets, chocolates, cakes and chips.The traditional sugar cane was also distributed.

Ater the holy mass, the people moved to the Silver Diamond Restaurant Hall in the city centre. It was a festive atmosphere in the hall with the decorations and excellent seating arrangements. The co-ordinators welcomed the priesta and the people and then Kevin D’Souza conducted creative spot games for children and adults. The game for adults was especially entertaining and mentally energising. Michelle Natalia Moras won the prize in the children category and Lata Suares won in the adult category. Fr. Marian and Fr. Santosh gave away the prizes.

After the entertainment, it was time for the meal. Fr Santosh led the prayers before the meal. The Novem (blessed rice) was ground and added to the vorn. The sumptuous meal was enjoyed by one and all. It was a great meal, especially because though vegetarian, children seemed to enjoy it due to the variety of items to suit people of all ages.

The organization of all the events was well appreciated as all of them were timed perfectly and well coordinated.The entire events for the day were organized by Tyrone Sures and Victor Moras from the Mangalorean community and Fausto Fernandes from the Goan community. The logistics and financial coordination was ably done by Michael Machado.