By: Rev. John Alex Pinto OCD
Pics: Jerry Moraes

Calgary, Canada, Sep 7: Mangaloreans and Goans living in Calgary celebrated Monthi Fest for the second time at St. Thomas More Parish 15, Templebow St. NE, Calgary, AB , Canada on September 4th, 2010 at 3.45 pm.

The event was organized under the leadership of Mangalorean Carmalite Priests, Fr. John Pinto OCD
and Fr. Gabriel with the help of Mendonca, Moras,, D’souza, Andrade, Almeida, Lobo families and other
community members.

Feast Mass was presided by Fr. John Pinto OCD Pastor of St. Thomas More Parish. In his homily Fr.
Malcolm D’Souza the Pastor of St. Mark’s parish 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.
He gave a clarion call to be a true disciple of Jesus like Mary and he stressed the need to ask help.

Fr. Gabriel Dias OCD blessed the new harvest (novem). The recital of 'Sokkad Sangathan Melyam' and
Morieak Hogolceiam hymn was accompanied with offering of flowers to Mary. This was followed by
the traditional Novem Jhevan at the Parish hall. Mr. William Andrade aged 94 yrs the eldest member of
the community shared about history and origin of Mangaloreans. Food was blessed by Fr. William Monis
and everyone enjoyed the authentic vegetarian food with sannas which was cooked by the community
members.

The choir sang hyms in both Konkani & English language and this time choir really made the difference
with all musical instruments players.

Under the leadership of Riana and Priya kids had games and prizes were distributors instantly. The group
sang Mando and Konkani melodies.

The programme concluded at 7.00 pm and all the community members made this Monti Fest a grand
success.