by Jerry Moras
Canada, Sep 8: For the first time Monti Fest Celebration was held at St. Thomas More Parish 15, Templebow St. NE, Calgary, AB , Canada on September 7, 2008 at 5.00 pm.
The event was organized under the leadership of Mangalorean Carmalite Fathers, Fr.John Pinto OCD and Fr.Gabriel with the help of Jerry Moras, Andrade, Almeida & fly & other community members.
In his homily Fr. William Monis (Mangalorean and Asst. Parish Priest of Cathedral) explained the significance of this celebration and stated that the Mangaloreans celebrate this feast of Mother Mary in unique way by honoring her as Mother of creator of life and comparing that with bountiful of new crops of the season through her unique blessings.
Holy mass and the blessing of the Novem was held. The recital of 'Sakkad sangathan melyam' and Moriea Hogelceiam hymn was accompanied with offering of flowers to Mary. This was followed by the traditional Novem Jhevan at the Parish hall. Everyone got to enjoy the authentic vegetarian food with sannas, which was cooked by the community members.
The function came to an end at 8.00 pm and all the community members made this Monti Fest a grand success.