Monthi Fest Celebration in London

Report & Pictures by Helen Augstine & Nishanth Joyappa

London, Sep 14: The Nativity feast celebrations was celebrated by Mr.Richard and Mrs.Christine Lobo family consequitively for the 14th year in succession on Sunday the 12th of September at 13:00 hours. The celebrations took place at 20, Salmon Street London. Dr.Cheryl Lobo welcomed the assemblage and also briefed about the programme of the day. She also gave a brief insight on the theme of the nativity.

Rev. Dr.Pius Fidelis Pinto, the managing trustee of Samanvaya Managlore was the main celebrant and Rev.Fr. Vinod S.J. was the concelebrant.  Rev. Dr. Pius Fidelis Pinto venerated mother Mary along with the children and blessed the corns. The assemblage simultaneously sang the hymns "Sakkad Sanagatha Melieam" and "Morie Hogolsieam". This was followed by the Eucharistic Celebrations in Konkani followed by the prayer of repentance.

The first reading was read by Dr. Cheryl Lobo and the second by Mrs. Severine D'souza. Rev.Fr.Vinod S.J gave a brief homily regarding the role of the blessed virgin Mary in the Church. Rev.Dr. Pius Fidelis Pinto preached in Konkani and explained the importance of the feast in the historical context. He appealed to the gathering to preserve the rich culture and heritage of Konkani Christians of Coastal Karnataka particularly stressing to strengthen the ethnic identity in the society. The whole congregation actively participated in the ceremony with their lovely singing.

The holy mass was followed by a family get to gather.  Rev.Dr. Pius Fidelis Pinto led a short prayer and the "Novem" was served to all the members followed by the delicious lunch. There were 223 members who participated in the celebration.

On behalf of the assemblage Rev.Dr. Pius Fidelis Pinto thanked  Mr. Richard Lobo and his family for being an instrument of gathering Konkani Catholics in and around London for the past 14 years. It is undoubtedly a selfless effort that we all Konkani Catholics need to recognize he said. The programme concluded by singing the laudate led by Mrs. Christine Lobo.