News from Clarence Pinto, Pics: Dilip Correa
Daijiworld Media Network - Oman

Ghala, Sep 13: Monthi Fest (Nativity Feast) celebrations of great splendor and grandeur continued at the various parishes in the Sultanate of Oman. On September 12,  the Konkani speaking community of the Ghala parish  under the leadership of Stany Jovin Menezes, Michael Goveas, Hubert D’Souza and Nirmala Goveas organized an outstanding spiritual ceremony in Konkani and a brilliant and fascinating cultural event along with Novem Jevann (vegetarian meal with new corn) to enthrall hundreds of faithful specially Konkani speaking community members.

The Ghala parish has a vibrant and versatile group of Mangaloreans who extend their wholehearted support to the church in each and every activity. The Ghala Mangaloreans are known for their simplicity but yet famous for their noble dedication to the society and community in particular.  The suburb Ghala is around 20 kms from the capital city, Muscat and has many active Konkani speaking faithful.  This parish covers up to Barka city in the Batinah Coastal region and caters a large number of faithful working in many industrial sectors.

Monthi Fest 2008 ceremony started at the grotto with the recitation of Holy Rosary at 5 p m. Then, there was a grand procession of the children and the faithful guided by Stany Menezes, from the basketball court to the grotto.  The ceremony of the blessings of the Bambino (Statue of Infant Mother), new corn flown from Mangalore and holy pictures was performed by Fr Anil Vincent Menezes, the visiting priest from the Bijapur Mission Station along with our own Mangalorean priest in Oman and the assistant parish priest of Sts Peter & Paul Church - Ruwi, Fr Albert D’Silva and Fr Amar Bose, the assistant parish priest of Holy Spirit Church, Ghala. When the choir sang “Moriyek hogoll’shiyam” hymn, the children joyfully showered flowers and honored Infant Mother.
 
After the showering of flowers, Holy Mass celebration commenced on the basketball court stage which was meticulously decorated by Arif, an ardent devotee of Mother Mary.  Fr Vincent Menezes was the main celebrant. Fr Albert D’ Silva and Fr Amar Bose were the concelebrants. In his homily, Fr Anil Menezes beautifully narrated the importance of the heavenly mother in our Christian lives. He also stressed on the transformation required in our family lives to enhance our relationships in the society keeping Mother Mary as our role model.

The Konkani choir,  directed by Nicolas Bernard was great. The choir members were Shalet Cutinho, Hubert D’Souza, Bernard Moras, Francis D’ Mello, Ronald Lobo, Lilly D’ Souza, Tressy Goveas, Sabrina Pinto, Molly Pinto, Irene D’ Souza, Anothony D’ Souza, Philip D’Souza, Vivian Fernandes and Gladys D’Cunha. Music was provided by Avil Cutinho.
 
After the holy mass, holy pictures and blessed corn were distributed to all the faithful and treat packets were given to all the children.

After the spiritual ceremony, the Konkani Speaking community under the leadership of the Konkani writer, poetess and activist Nirmala Goveas had organized a beautiful cultural program to enthrall the community people and also Novem Jevaann (meal with new corn).
 
Chief guest of the function was Fr John Fernandez, parish priest of Ghala parish. The guest of honors were Fr Albert D’Silva, Fr Anil Vincent Menezes and Fr Amar Bose.

Ghala Mangalorean children presented a unique welcome performance and then, invited the Chief Guest along with the guest of honors and the core team members of the organizing committee to the dais. After the lighting of the traditional lamp ceremony, floral bouquets were presented to the dignitaries.  Fr Vincent Menezes offered prayers, seeking heavenly blessings on the function and also, blessed the vegetable delicacies prepared by the community members.

After the Chief Guest’s address, Valerian Crasta, community leader invited everyone to the dining table and requested to enjoy the sumptuous “Novem Jevaann” prepared by the community members.

The real entertainment part commenced with an inspiring spiritual and devotional dance by Glanet Castelino, Shavina, Davina, Laraina and Shannon. Dilip Correa, Sandra Correa and Baby Rochelle Correa played the roles of St Joachim, St Anna and Infant Mary respectively. Lizie and Melina were the angels.

Cultural program was included scintillating dances by Priyanka Mendonca and Glanet Castelino. Ruwaina D’ Souza, Freya D Mello, Samantha Mendonca, Jade Pereira, Sheryl Mendonca and Joylin Gonsalves presented a group dance.

Versatile Konkani singers of  the Ghala parish, Shalet Cutinho, Ronald Lobo, Vivian Fernandes, Hubert D’ Souza, Austin Monteiro presented some of the best entertaining Konkani numbers. Music was provided by Austin Monterio as lead guitarist, Aril Cutinho as rhythm guitarist, Parry D’Souza as base guitarist. They were supported by Loy on Key Board, Felix D’Souza on Drums and. Linyl  Castelino, Salvadore D’ Souza and Edward Mendonca presented two skits, written by Shalet Noronha.
Nirmala Goveas was the anchor of the ceremony and did a great job with sophisticated Konkani language which was well appreciated by the audience. John Gonsalves proposed the vote of thanks.

Bonanza draw was conducted by Tanya Pinto. There was abaila dance participated by many enthusiastic dancers to conclude the show.

It was a truly a grand show with lot of meticulous planning and hard work of many members moulded together. Great efforts by the leaders of the Konkani community and a word of appreciation should to reach each one of them.

• More Photographs - Click Here
• Nativity Fest Around the World : Report & Pictures: Click Here