Dubai: Konkani community of St. Mary’s Church Dubai splendidly celebrated Monti Fest, the feast of Nativity of Mother Mary on September 7.
At 8:00 pm, large number of children gathered in front of the Grotto. Corn blessing was performed by Fr. Robert Lasrado and thereafter children carried out flower strewing to honour Mother Mary.
Statue of Mother Mary (Bambino) and blessed Paddy was brought to Altar in a procession by SMMC Coordinator Jerina Lewis and Vice Coordinator Joseph Mathias along with Altar Servers, SMMC Core members and Priests.
A beautiful homily was narrated by the guest priest Fr. Anil Dcosta who came from India specially to celebrate 9 days novena and feast.
A melodious singing by ‘Melodia choir’ elevated the festive spirit. A scrumptious ‘Novem Jevann’, traditional dinner by Canara Restaurant was served for 5000+ attendees by well organized Konkani Community volunteers and Church Ushers Sodality members.
On the occasion of popular Mangalorean family feast Monti Fest, a variety entertainment program ‘Monti Sobann’ was arranged by St. Mary’s Church Dubai’s Mangalorean Konkan organization – St. Mary’s Mangalorean Community [SMMC] Dubai on 8th September evening in the Church Main Hall.
Dubai’s popular Master of Ceremony Roshan D’Silva, initiated the event with brief introduction and welcomed on the stage the SMMC Spiritual Director Fr. Robert Lasrado, visiting Guest priest from Mangalore Fr. Anil D’Costa, OFM Cap., St. Mary’s Church Assistant priest Fr. Olmes Milani accompanied by SMMC Coordinator Jerina Lewis and Vice Coordinator Joseph Mathias.
SMMC Vice coordinator Joseph Mathias welcomed all the attendees. Fr. Anil D’Costa stressed on the unity in the families and motivation of family feast for such accord and appreciated SMMC’s effort to organize traditional feast in a great manner. SMMC Spiritiual Director Fr. Robert Lasrado invited the Konkani Parishioners of St. Mary’s church to actively involved in spiritual activities, specially by attending Konkani masses. All the guests on the stage were honoured with flower bouquests. SMMC core member Rudolf Sanctis rendered vote of thanks.
Lanita Noronha, SMMC’s Asst. Program Coordinator announced winners of various competitions which were organized earlier by SMMC for the Montifest and academic excellence to whom the awards and certificates were distributed.
3 CDs were released on the auspicious occasion – ‘Nasha’ Konkani songs CD by Anil & Lavina Pais, Kuwait represented by Joseph Mathias ; ‘Jezu Sangi’ Konkani Devotional Hymnal CD by Joyson & Nisha Sequeira and ‘Tuja Nivasant’ a Konkani Devotional Hymns by Joseph Moras, Melodia Choir Dubai.
For the cultural event, renowned organizations like Arun Lobo’s Feet Beat Dance & Art Centre, Ocean Kids Institute of Music, Dance & Art and ABCD Dance Studio added zest to the entertainment programs with their well-choreographed fusion dances.
Highlight of the event was traditional ‘Gumta’ by Dony Correa and team, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the excited audience.
Well known dramatists groups Konkan Tara and Melwyn Kalakul & Team exhibited excellent comedy skills with their few amusing skits.
All the artists and choreographers of dance teams were honoured with flower bouquets and certificates by SMMC Core Committee members.
Sujith Fernandes and Team Newskarnataka covered the event.
Two hours of grand entertainment program with packed audience was a well organized event, appreciated by all.
