By Brian D’Souza

Reston, Virginia/USA, Sep 19: The Mangalorean Association DC/MD/VA, USA celebrated the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, traditionally called ‘Monthi Fest’ at the Reston Community Center, Virginia on Sunday September 18, 2016.

Over 120 people including children from Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia joined in the celebration. Harold D’Souza welcomed everyone. He spoke on the background of “Monthi Fest” and its traditional significance.

The event started with offering of flowers to Mother Mary by children who dressed themselves in their best Indian attire. Everyone joined the choir in singing ‘Moriyek Hogolsiyan’. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Peter D’Souza and Fr. Anil Gonzales. Fr. Peter spoke of his experiences in providing for poor children in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and how on one occasion Mother Mary’s blessings had helped provide for poor children. He also highlighted how the Mangalorean community could play a role in bringing together people from different backgrounds as one big family. The members and children took active part in the service with readings and responsorial psalms, with the choir singing both in Konkani and English.

After the Mass, the priests blessed the paddy. Reynel Castelino gave a vote of thanks and also spoke about the upcoming Christmas event, scheduled for December 3rd, 2016.

Later, the attendees were greeted to a traditional Mangalorean vegetarian lunch prepared by the committee members. Novem Jevon was comprised of a spread of five dishes that was sumptuous and enjoyable. The menu included Channa, Karamb, Moong, Sambar and Alsande. This was followed by delicious vorn which was enjoyed by all.

More information about the association, photos, upcoming events and details about joining the association are available at https://www.facebook.com/mangaloreandcmdva

or http://www.mangaloreanassociation.org/

For additional details or in case of queries, please send an email to president@mangaloreanassociation.org

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