Monthi Fest - St Francis Xavier’s Church, Salalah, Oman

Report by Richard Jacob Machado
Pics by Rajesh Soares
Daijiworld Media Network – Salalah, Oman  
 
Salalah, Sep 12: ‘Monthi Fest’ is a feast of our ‘Lady of the mountains’ as referred by Fr Canute Barboza, the main celebrant of the mass which was dedicated to Our Lady and also to mothers and girls of every family. On Sunday September 11, the feast of nativity was celebrated here at St Francis Xavier’s Church, Salalah, Oman, a land surrounded by green mountains where the feelings of ‘Khareef’’(monsoon) continues.
 
What made Monthi Fest celebration this year truly special and distinctive was the presence of Fr Canute Barboza – parish priest of Mundkoor Parish who had specially flown to Salalah to attend the celebrations. A Novena of nine days (August 30 to September 7) was conducted by Fr Raphy Vallacheri – parish priest and Fr Ashok Gonsalves, assistant parish priest of St Francis Xavier’s Church, Salalah, attended by the parishioners in large numbers in preparation for the celebration for this great feast.

It was an evening to be cherished; everyone looked resplendent in their festive attire; there was eagerness on their faces and the sight of little children carrying the platter of freshly bloomed flowers under the direction of Tyron Soares, was a moment of joy to all present. The Konkani community consisting of Mangloreans headed by Richard Machado and Goans headed by Melwin D’Mello gathered here in huge numbers to celebrate Monthi Fest in a grand way. 
 
The celebration began with rosary in front of the grotto led by Treza Aranha, after which the newly harvested ‘Novem’ was blessed. The hymn 'Sakkad sangathan melyam' (Let us all gather together) was sung by the melodious choir led by Victor Moras. It was a pleasureable moment for all gathered at the grotto with the little children showering flowers joyfully.
 
The co-celebrants were Fr Albert D’Silva, parish priest of Ghala Church, Muscat and Fr Ashok Gonsalves, assistant parish priest of  Salalah Church. 
 
After the mass ‘novem’ was distributed along with fresh local sugarcane (‘kobu’) sponsored by Robert Rego and Valerian Rego, home-made ‘vorn’ prepared by Vinnie Sequeira and a bounty of treats to all.
 
A game of housie-housie was conducted by Alan D’Costa and prizes were given away to the winners.