News & Pics: Ancy Paladka
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (SB)

Mumbai, Sep 16: Vasai Konkani Welfare Association celebrated Monti Fest for the first time at St Ignatius Loyola Church, Vasai (West) on Sunday September 13. Vasai, a small town is known for its churches with over a dozen of them situated in the area. It has sizeable number of Konkani speaking people. But no one had thought of celebrating Monti Fest in any of the churches so far.

Over 1,000 people gathered for the celebration. The procession was inaugurated by Fr Diago and moved into the streets of Vasai under the guidance of John Rodrigues. The brass band led the procession. The procession entered the main gates of the church and gathered at the grotto for the novena.

Fr Richard Lasrado led the novena and blessed the new paddy corn. Childrens showered flower petals on Infant Mother Mary. Then the crowd moved to the church in a procession. The mass was celebrated by Fr Diago, Fr John Froz and Fr Richard Lasrado who also gave a touching sermon.

There was a cultural programme after the mass that began with a prayer song by Blanch Alvares and Della D'Antonius. Fr Melvyn D'Silva blessed the novem immersed in the milk and was distributed to all. Fr Melvyn, Fr Ozy Gonsalves, Fr Richard Lasrado, chief guest Robert Menezes and Francis Sequiera spoke about the importance of Monti Fest.

Children from 'Konkan Daiz' group presented Konkani cultural dances.  Hilarious skit was presented by Felix D'Souza Malvani, John Cardoza and Juliana DSouza. Roita, Oswin and Evita presented melodious songs.