Nativity Feast : St Michael's Church Sharjah - UAE
By Naveen Frank
Daijiworld network - Sharjah

Sharjah, Sep 10: The 8th September is observed as the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary the world over. More especially the Mangalorean Christian community traditionally celebrates it as MONTI FEST, combining it with thanksgiving of a good harvest. The Church has fixed mother Mary’s birthday exactly nine months after the major Marian feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mother Mary on 08 December.  She was conceived in the womb of her mother, St. Anne, by her father St. Joachim.

St Michael’s Church, Sharjah celebrated Monti Fest on 09 September 2010 with grand pomp and devotion.  The efforts of the Mangalorean and Goan Konkani speaking community saw to a beautiful programme.

A myriad of little children, along with their proud parents and faithful flocked together with small plates full of flower petals congregated around the infant statue of Mother Mary.  It was a beautiful sight to see the children shower flowers while the priests led them with prayer and hymns.

A solemn Eucharistic celebration in Konkani language followed. The main celebrant Fr Robert Lasrado, a Capuchin priest on a visit from Mangalore, preached a fitting and meaningful homily. The choir led by Lancy Carlo elevated the liturgy with carefully selected hymns accompanied by beautiful music.

Soon after the Holy Mass, a variety entertainment followed.  Well known master MC, Uttam Menezes, once again proved his mettle.  After a brief introduction by the MC, the Parish Priest and other priests were invited up on the dais. They were felicitated with bouquet of flowers.  Fr Annie Xavier the Parish Priest wished the congregation on the feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary.

Major sponsors and those who helped in the choir, cultural programmes and other areas were also honored on the dais.

The cultural programme consisted of hymns, tableaus, skits, dances and songs. It kept the audience enthralled.   Fr Rodson blessed the NOVEM (New corn).  TOP BRASS a brass band consisting of dedicated men played beautiful nostalgic music for all to enjoy. The cultural programme was organised and choreographed by Vincent Fernandes.

Valerian Alva proposed the vote of thanks.

After the programme, the whole crowd of over 3000 parishioners sat together in fellowship and shared a vegetarian meal.

• More Pictures - Click Here
• Nativity Feast Celebrations Around the World - Complete Coverage : Click Here