Melbourne: Moms Initiate to Introduce Monti Fest to Gen-nxt
News: Mary D’Souza
Pics: Dilip D'Cruz
Daijiworld Media Network – Melbourne (SB)
Melbourne, Sep 21: As the Novem was celebrated by Mangloreans all over the world, a small group of Melbourne West moms, decided, that they too wanted to hand down some of the traditions they had followed back home to the next generation living here in Australia.
Genny D'Cruz and Dolcy D'Souza got the ball rolling, with assistance from Daisy Moraes, Dorothy Sequeira, Dolly Cutinho, Melody Sequeira, Helen Pinto, Mary D'Souza, Meena Sequeira and Sandria D’Silva. These enterprising women really got into the mood as enthusiastically as their grandparents did. The response from fellow Mangloreans and non-Manglorean friends too was amazing and the guest list of over 70 people wanting to join in the celebrations said it all.
Manoj and Sandria commenced the proceedings with a brief history of how the feast of The Nativity of Our Lady or Monti Fest became synonymous with Novea Jovan festivities among the Manglorean Catholic farming community. The congregation then sang ‘Sakkad Sangatha Melyan’ before reciting the Rosary lead by Meena Sequeira. Each decade of the Rosary was dedicated to special intentions. At the end of the Rosary, the faithful sang ‘Moriyek Hogolsiyan’ with the children from each family laying flowers at Our Blessed Mother’s feet which stood on a table that was beautifully decorated courtesy of Gretel Gonsalves.
After the food for the soul, it was time for food for the body. It was time for snacks, games and the much-awaited Jevon. There were games for the kids and the grown-ups along with some lovely English and desi music, thanks to Neil Gonsalves. The moms and dads had their separate games too! There were a lot of winners that evening with prizes for the various games and some spot prizes too.
After the games, the much-awaited Novem Jevon with an assortment of 9 vegetables, sannas and vorn was served. It was a wonderful sight watching everyone really enjoying a wholly vegetarian meal.