Media Release by Stany D'Cruz

Sydney, Sep 24: Under the auspices of the Mangalorean Catholic Association of Sydney (MCAS), a large number of Mangalorean Sydneysiders and their friends celebrated Monti Fest on Sunday 20 September at the Harrington Hall, Lady of Dolours Parish, Chatswood.

Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. Joseph Rebello, which was complimented by an excellent choir group led by Savio D’Souza and Joylene Moras. The choir sang many traditional Konkani hymns.  Fr. Rebello in his homily spoke on the virtues and significance of Mother Mary in the Catholic church and her role in the family. The readings and the prayers of the faithful were all read by the youth, and a bunch of fresh vegetables and fruits were offered. 

Thereafter, the event commenced with the blessing of the new harvest (Novem) by Fr. Joe.  All the attendees lined up in a procession to partake the traditional ‘roce’ with the novem.  The children then showered flowers on Mother Mary’s statue, the tradition that is still followed all over the world.

The celebrations commenced with the introduction by the MC Ryan Sequeira. He introduced MCAS president Stanley D’Cruz who gave the opening remarks. He welcomed the gathering and gave a brief history of Monti Fest, which was started 240 years in the shrine of Monte Mariano in Faringpet, by a Goan priest Fr. Joachim Miranda. He introduced MCAS Committee members and gave a brief run down of future events being organized by the MCAS. 

Entertainment & games followed soon after which was superbly complimented by songs & music played by Craig Dickinson.  The highlight of the celebrations was the enactment of a short and hilarious Konkani skit ‘Dolla’.  Joylene Moras, Felix Pais, Ryan Sequeira, Dulcine D’Souza and Veena D’Souza acted in this history making Konkani skit. This was well appreciated by the attendees and was full of laughter.   Authentic Mangalorean cuisine buffet lunch was then served, which was cooked by the members of the association.  The menu consisted of baffat pork, chicken curry, sannas, channas, sprouted moong, beans, pulao rice, cucumber salad, assorted pickles, and traditional vorne. The kitchen and food serving was manned by Beryl D’Cruz, Jem Castelino, Sheila Correa, Valentina Fernandes, Jamila Torpy, Raina Pereira, Dulcine D’Souza, Susan Crasto and many other volunteers.

Music continued & the members kept dancing on the floor enjoying themselves.  Craig and Joylene then entertained the crowd with Konkani baila music. Other activities included raffle and housie. Another highlight was the talent contest for children and many children participated in singing, and playing music on the organ.  A bric-a-brac sale was also conducted for charitable causes.  Several MCAS members donated items for the sale, including a generous donation by Canute and Helen D’Souza. Jamila Torpy organized this sale. Housie was conducted by Joylene Moras, and prizes for the raffle were presented by MCAS vice president Aylmer Rebello.

Social Secretary Freddie Pereira then proposed the Vote of Thanks; he thanked each & everyone who made this event a great success.  He also thanked all the volunteers who cooked the sumptuous food.  

Peter and Elvira D’Mello along with Sherol Rebello, Caryl Dickinson and ably manned the entry desks.  Felix Pais and Hubert Castelino carried out superb photography and videography of the event.

Overall the MCAS Nativity Feast celebration was an outstanding success, and we sincerely thank MCAS members and their friends for their attendance.

Nativity Feast Around the World : Click Here