Media Release
Bahrain, Sep 10: Friday September 8, will be remembered by one and all in Sacred Heart Church Bahrain Parish for the solemn celebration of Konkani Catholic Community’s Monthi fest. The entire Parish Community came under one roof to celebrate the feast united in the spirit of brotherhood and fellowship.
Record number of devotees along with children attended the nine days Novena and Mass in preparation for the feast conducted by visiting Priest Fr Derrick D’Souza, commenced on 30th August. Fr Derrick’s nine day’s homilies centered around nine fruits of the Holy spirit which our Blessed mother practiced in her life. His preaching was very practical and full of conviction which resulted in attracting more than a thousand people every day. It was indeed great joy to see hundreds of children and tiny tots offering flowers to Mama Mary daily.
The Feast Mass on Friday was attended by around 3,000 faithful. The service commenced at 9.00 am at the outdoor stage, with blessing of new corn by Fr Derrick D’Souza along with Parish priest Fr Freddy, and the assistant priests of Sacred Heart Church. This was followed by floral offerings to Blessed Infant Mary by the children to the singing of traditional hymns Sokkod Sangatha Meliam and Moriek Hogolsiam.
A grand procession then led the congregation to the Sacred Heart Church where the solemn Feast Mass was held and was concelebrated by Fr Derrick D’Souza along with Fr Freddy, Konkani, Community Spiritual director Fr Gaspar Fernandes and other priests in attendance. Candles were presented to the Pirjent and Muddoms.
Fr Derrick D’Souza in his homily spoke about how we must imitate the virtues of Mary who is the our model in living a life with fruits of the Holy Spirit. The choir organized by Freddy D'Souza was well appreciated and helped the congregation to participate in the celebration meaningfully.
Spiritual Director of the Konkani Community Fr Gaspar thanked Fr Derrick D’Souza and all those involved in organizing the Novena and feast services. At the end of the feast mass congregation was then served with traditional roce mixed with newly blessed paddy and refreshments.
A short cultural program was then held in the Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium which began with an invocation dance by youngsters Ayona Rodrigues, Shanya Dantis, Echelle Sequeira, Michelle D’Ssouza, Alina Mendonca and choregraphed by Rencilla Fernandes. Fr Derrick, Fr Freddy, Fr Gaspar, and Carmelite Sister were then led to the stage by Konkani Community Leader Freddy DSouza for the cutting of the cake which concluded with brief addresses by Fr Freddy and Fr Derrick. The congregation was then treated to a another scintillating dance by tiny tots Ruth Maria D’Mello, Rebecca Britto, Reshel D’Souza, Ziona Franco, Viona Sequeira, Crystal D’Souza of Rhythm dance group, Bahrain and choregraphed by Harini and Namitha.
This was followed by rib ticking hilarious comedy skit “Voddli Maichem Devasponn” written by Stany D’Souza, Paladka and enacted by Hilary Tellis, Sujay Pinto, Avinash Fernandes, Premila Martis, Nirmala Fernandes and Nikita Fernandes and the audience just could not stop laughing. The Konkani Community choir then sang the melodius song “Manglur Sheher”.
After the vote of thanks by Konkani Community leader Freddy D’souza, a lucky-dip draw was held and the prizes for these were donated by well wishers. Flavours of Asia Restaurant catered to a sumptuous vegetarian meal. The costs of the event were covered through support from various Community members and benefactors who donated whole heartedly and extended their support as truly one united community. Sound & Music was provided by Francis Lobo; photography was done by Edwin D’Souza. Hilary Tellis and Santhosh Danthi compered the event.