Media Release
Doha, Sep 13: ‘Monthi Fest ‘a family festival of Love Peace Culture and Emotions was celebrated together as one family by the members of Mangalore Cultural Association, Doha Qatar. This celebration was held in the Seraphic Multi Purpose Hall, at the parish center. It was attended in large numbers by the association members and their families.
The program began at 6.30 pm with the MCA Anthem followed by prayer and showering of flowers to Mother Mary by the children as well as elders. A short stage program was conducted. The Chief Guest for the evening was Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza, Visiting Priest from Mangalore, currently who is rendering his missionary services as the Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Church, Jeppu. The Advisory committee members of the association where also invited on stage and honored with flowers. Mr. Wilson Mendonca, Vice President MCA welcomed the guests and the gathering.
On behalf of the Advisory Committee Felix Lobo & Wilfred Fernandes educated people about the work and the progress of the association in the short span of time and the main aim of helping the poorest of the poor in our home town. Mr. Lobo informed that the Association in the past one & half year has raised a fund of 30 Lakh Indian rupees, wherein Rs. 5 lakh has already been distributed to the Orphanages in Mangalore.. This was the first year’s program of MCA. The remaining money will similarly be handed over to the orphanages & poor families based on their necessity either for the education purpose or to provide food & basic needs of the needy. He urged the members to get information & details of such families in their home town while they go on vacation. Adding to his message Mr. Lobo emphasized that the Konkani masses in Qatar should be given a place in the main Church. He wanted to request the parish Priest on behalf of the Konkani community of Qatar who was supposed to attend the function but due to unavoidable circumstances did not make it for the day’s Celebration. He assured the people gathered that he would surely meet the parish priest and bring up this matter.
Fernandes lauded Rev. Fr. Andrew for his marvelous preaching during the past 9 days Novena of Mother Mary. He also commended the work of the Association within a matter of 2 years. He urged the members to continue their good work selflessly so that many more needy families in Mangalore would be benefited.
The Chief Guest of the evening Fr. Andrew gave his meaningful message for the occasion. He was very much impressed by the aims and objectives of MCA. Fr. Andrew said that helping the poor is truly God’s work... Anything done in the name God will receive blessings abundantly. He also requested the people not to forget their homeland and their mother tongue. Fr. Andrew appealed the parents to speak to their children in Konkani and also to teach them Konkani prayers.
Roce mixed with Noven was distributed to all members.
Cultural program which included singing by Roshan D’Souza and Denzil D’Souza, Jokes performed by Benjamin, Anil, Austin, Nevil, Aneta & Dorothy, A small skit “Machha Sorbela” enacted by James, Noel, Roshan, Godwin, and Donald were presented. Games were conduted by Freeda Lobo & Arthur Pais.
Prizes were distributed to the winners of the games by Libby D’souza, Mrs. Mable Fernandes & Mrs. Stephany Lobo.
Finally a Grand Delicious Home made pure Vegetarian Dinner was served to all. This dinner was prepared by the Executive committee members under the guidance of Mrs. Stephany Lobo at her residence.
Arthur Pais was MC for the evening. John Pinto thanked one and all who made this evening a memorable one.
The Next program of the MCA will be Voice Workshop conducted by Jossie Moras, Dubai on the 09th October 2009 at the church Hall.. details will be updated shortly..