Abu Dhabi: St. Joseph’s Konkani Community (SJKC), Abu Dhabi, celebrated Monthi Fest, the birthday of Mother Mary, on Saturday, September 7th, 2024, at St. Therese Church, Abu Dhabi, under the guidance of Spiritual Director Fr. Mariyan Miranda OFM Cap. Monthi Fest, a traditional harvest festival celebrated by the Konkani-speaking community on the west coast of India, was marked with grandeur, thanking God for the fruit of the earth, nature, and the farmers who toil to provide bread to the world.
The celebration began with nine days of novenas, including the Rosary, devotional hymns, showering of flowers to Infant Mary by children, and Holy Eucharistic celebrations. Spiritual reflections nourishing the congregation were provided by Fr. Vijay Machado, Fr. Maxim Cardoza OFM Cap, Fr. Joel Lopes, Fr. Rohan Miranda OFM Cap, Fr. Derick D’Souza OFM Cap, and Fr. Mariyan Miranda OFM Cap.
Students from the Konkani ommunity who scored 80% and above in the Secondary and Higher Secondary Examinations for the year 2023-2024 were felicitated on September 6th by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Chito Bunda Bartolo OFM Cap. The Altar Servers and children’s choir members were also honored for their dedication in serving the Novena Masses.
The blessing of new corn (paddy), flown from Mangalore, and the traditional showering of flowers in honor of Infant Mary were highlights of the celebration. The faithful and children gathered near St. Joseph’s School stage, where the statue of Infant Mary was specially decorated. Floral tributes were given to Mother Mary by little children, accompanied by the choir singing the hymn ‘Moriyek Hogolsiya’. His Excellency Most Rev. Bishop Paolo Martinelli, the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, graced the occasion with his presence and delivered a short message.
The festal celebration commenced with a grand procession featuring Altar Servers, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, faithful, SJKC committee members, and priests. The statue of Infant Mary and the new blessed corn (‘Kanshi’) were brought to St. Therese Church in procession by Mr. Lancy D’Souza, Mr. Leo Rodrigues, Mr. John Conrad D’Souza, and Mr. Austin Menezes. The solemn Festive Concelebrated Mass was presided over by Fr. Naveen D’Souza OFM Cap, with concelebrants Fr. Mariyan Miranda OFM Cap, Fr. Baptist Rohan Miranda OFM Cap, and Fr. Jovin Sequeira. Fr. Naveen D’Souza OFM Cap’s inspiring reflections during the homily made the celebration memorable, with over 1500 faithful devotees participating.
After the Mass, Fr. Mariyan Miranda OFM Cap welcomed all concelebrating priests and congregation, with the committee members presenting flowers as tokens of appreciation. Parish Priest Fr. Chito Bartolo OFM Cap expressed his gratitude to the Konkani community for their dedication and commitment to the parish.
The following parishioners were felicitated by Fr. Naveen D’Souza OFM Cap:
- Konkani Cultural Organization Abu Dhabi, for championing time-honored traditions in Abu Dhabi.
- Mr. Benedict Quadros, for his exceptional contribution to the community and parish.
- Dr. Daphne Norma Crasta, for her milestone achievement in earning a PhD.
- Mr. Jeevan Lobo, for his dedication in providing the community with beautiful music.
- Mr. Lancy D’Souza, for his selfless service to the Parish Community.
Main supporters of the Monthi Fest were honored by Fr. Chito Bunda Bartolo OFM Cap, Fr. Mariyan Miranda OFM Cap, Fr. Baptist Rohan Miranda OFM Cap, Fr. Naveen D’Souza OFM Cap, and Fr. Jovin Sequeira. A vote of thanks was rendered by SJKC Coordinator Mr. John Conrad D’Souza, with the program compered by SJKC Committee Members Mr. Naveen Menezes and Mr. Deral Menezes. The traditional and delicious ‘Novem Jevan’ was served, with blessed corn and sugarcane distributed to all faithful. The festive meal was enriched by melodious music and enthusiastic singing by parishioners, organized by SJKC committee member Mr. Joachim D’Souza.
The entire event was conceptualized and managed by St. Joseph’s Konkani Committee Members, volunteers, and ushers, who provided selfless service throughout the nine days of Novenas and on the Feast Day. Monthi Fest was a memorable occasion for the St. Joseph’s Konkani Community of Abu Dhabi, experiencing the beautiful and devotional traditions of Mangalore.
