Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Konkani Community of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Musaffah, Abu Dhabi celebrated ‘Monthi Fest’on Saturday 8 September 2018 in a great fervor. The celebration began at 5.30 pm with blessings of new harvest at the Grotto by Fr. Wilson Rumao OFM Cap, Spiritual Director, Konkani Community, followed by showering of flowers with hymns glorifying and honoring Mother Mary.
After the blessing of new harvest, the congregation of the faithful entered the church with a glorious procession and the festive mass started. The main celebrant of the mass was Fr. Wilson Rumao, OFM Cap and the co-celebrants were Fr. Ani Xavier OFM Cap, Parish Priest, Fr. Varghese Kozippadan OFM Cap and Fr. Mathew Fernandes. Many faithful’s over 600 attended this festive mass. New harvest was distributed immediately after the Holy Mass.
The cultural programme began immediately after the Holy Mass in St. Francis of Assisi Hall and the programme was anchored by Annu Bantwal. The main co-ordinator of the Konkani Community John D’Lima, welcomed all the priests, guests and audiences for the function and wished them all ‘Bhagi Monthi Fest 2018’ on behalf of the Konkani Community.
The programme began with prayer dance “Yeh Moriye Yeh Moriye” performed by Dwayne, Steve, Dylan, Christabel, Neil, Reevan, Salome, Gianna, Riona D’Souza and Riona Rego. Small kids performed marvelously and a rousing ovation with appreciation was given to them by the audience. After the prayer dance, a cake was cut in commemoration of Mother Mary’s birthday by all the priests along with the community coordinator. Birthday babies of the day, too were called to join the cutting of the cake. Choir played a song “Happy Birthday Mama Mary”.
A theme song “Noman Tuka Balok Moriye” was played by choir group maestro Ashwin and his choir team. Children fusion dance titled “Sirandaricho Pavse” a was performed by young children Joshua, Rishona, Stacie, Sohan, Justin, Natasha, Cleon, Diona, Samantha and Rohan. It was a beautiful eye-catching performance performed by children and crowd saw them off with rousing applause.
Jossie and Avin, kept the crowd humorous with their witty jokes and comedy in between and kept them on their toes. A vote of thanks was given by apex team member John D’Costa and thanked all the people for their continued support. Fr. Wilson thanked all sponsors, donors, ushers and the faithfuls who support each during every event of Konkani community and sought their support during the future events too.
MC invited Fr. Wilson and all priest up on the dais to bless the Noven with milk. The Monthi Fest traditional food for the dinner was served with 9 different types of vegetables and vorn (kheer). The program ended with singing ‘Laudate Dominum’ by all. It was a memorable evening enjoyed and cherished by all.
