Nativity Feast - Sacred Heart Church, Bahrain
News: Freddy D’Souza
Pics: Robert Fernandes /Francis Lobo
Bahrain, Sep 13: Sacred Heart Church Bahrain’s Konkani Catholic Community celebrated Monthi-fest, Konkan Harvest Festival 2010 in grand way on Saturday September 11.
Nine days Novena and Mass in preparation for the feast along with retreat preached by Fr Franklin D’Souza, commenced on September 2. Through his powerful preaching filled with humour and conviction, Fr Franklin attracted a large congregation who experienced a rich harvest of spiritual blessings and healings.
The Feast Mass on Saturday was attended by around 2,000 faithful. The service commenced at 9.45 am at the outdoor stage, with blessing of new paddy by Fr Franklin along with parish priest, Fr Dinesh Mendonca, outgoing spiritual director of Konkani Community, Fr Vincent D’Souza, assistant priest Fr Andrews Santiagu and newly arrived assistant priest Fr Freddy D’Souza.
This was followed by floral offerings to Blessed Infant Mary by the children to the singing of traditional hymns Moriek Hogolsiam and Sokkod Sangatha Meliam.
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A grand procession led the congregation to the multipurpose hall where the solemn Feast Mass was held and was concelebrated by Fr Franklin, Fr Dinesh, Fr Vincent, Fr Andrews and Fr Freddy.
Fr Franklin brought about a nostalgic feeling in his homily, highlighting the importance of love and affection in the family, respect and care for parents and elders in all circumstances. For the large congregation, it was indeed an awesome experience.
The choir organized by Freddy D’Souza and conducted by Menino Fernandes was well appreciated and helped the congregation to participate in the celebration meaningfully. Fr Franklin was felicitated by the parish priest Fr Dinesh Mendonca. The congregation was then served with traditional roce mixed with newly blessed paddy and refreshments.
A short cultural programme too was held in the Bishop Tirinanzi Auditorium. The Priests and the Carmelite Sisters were invited on stage for the cutting of the cake. After the address by Parish Priest Fr Dinesh Mendonca, a felicitation program was held to bid farewell to Fr Vincent D’Souza, who will be returning to India after serving Sacred Heart Parish for nine years.
Konkani Community main co-ordinator Charles D’Almeida paid a rich tribute to Fr Vincent highlighting his dedicated service towards the parish at large, and in particular the Konkani community.
The incoming priest Fr Freddy D’Souza was welcomed into the Parish community by Freddy D’Souza, one of the Konkani Community co-ordinators. Invocation dance by Jovita D’Silva, Goan folk dance, and hilarious comedy skits by Sujay Pinto, George Menezes and Stany D’Souza. Menino Fernandes and Hanna Miranda sang a duet, Goinkar ani Monglurkar entertained all as part of entertainment programme.
A raffle draw was held and the prizes for these were donated by well wishers. Maharaja Restaurant catered a sumptuous vegetarian meal. The costs of the event were covered through support from various benefactors who donated whole heartedly and extended their support as truly one united community;
Francis Correa proposed the vote of thanks. Hilary Tellis and Menino Fernandes compered the event.