Media Release

Muscat, Sep 17: The vibrant Mangalurean community of the Holy Spirit Church Ghala, Sultanate of Oman along with the love and support of their parish priest, guest priests and spiritual director celebrated Monthi Fest with solemnity, devotion, and grandeur.

Monthi Fest is close to every Mangalurean heart as it brings back memories of the homeland where it is celebrated as a harvest and family festival. The enthusiasm of the Mangalurean spirit was evident with parishioners attending in large numbers and children dressed up to the occasion with baskets of flowers the atmosphere was filled with gaiety and a feeling of oneness and a sense of belonging.

The GMCC executive committee and GMCC members were able to present one of the finest Nativity celebrations in the recent times. With the Monthi fest being celebrated after nearly 3 years the attendance of the faithful was commendable, the committee did their best to make up for those years by recreating the memories of the festivities in the homeland where Month Fest is celebrated as a family and harvest festival.

The Ghala Mangalorean Catholic community of the Holy Spirit Church began its preparation for the Monthi Fest commencing with the nine days Mass, novena with Flower showering and fellowship meal starting from August 30. Fr Ivan Pinto OFM CAP, a guest priest from Mangaluru gave inspiring homilies during the nine days on the important role of Mother Mary who intercedes to her son Jesus for the salvation of mankind, helping the faithful to deepen their spirituality and strengthen their belief on power of prayer.

On Saturday, September 10, the community celebrated Monthi Fest in keeping with the age-old tradition of family spirit. The celebration began with the recitation of Rosary at the Grotto, showering of flowers to infant Mary by children, blessing of “Novem” hand-picked from the paddy fields of the homeland followed by solemn Eucharistic celebration in Konkani. The children were given goody bags for their active participation in flower showering during Novena Day. Sumptuous “Jevan” meal was given to all the faithful who attended mass during novena days.

Active community member Francis D’Souza led the Rosary followed by the procession of children, Committee members, Priests carrying flowers and Infant Mary in the mantle by president Prem Colaco and his wife Hendrita Colaco. Edward & Philomena Mendonca and Michael & Nirmala Goveas carried pictures of Mama Mary & corn proceeded towards the Grotto for Showering of Flowers and blessing of “Novem” which was splendidly conducted by vice president cultural secretary Praveen Serra.

Prem Colaco, an eminent leader of Ghala parish who is known for his leadership skills and friendly approach read the introduction at the beginning of Mass.

The altar during the solemn celebration of Holy Eucharistic Mass was divine as the altar was surrounded by 9 holy priests, a first in the history of Monthi fest in Oman. The solemn Eucharistic Mass in Konkani was celebrated by Fr Stephen Lewis along with Fr Marian Miranda, Fr Ivan Pinto, Fr Lenson Lobo, Fr George Vadukutt, Fr Sebastian Pakiam, Fr Catalino Miranda, Fr Khozaya Karam and Fr Anbunathan.

Fr Ivan Pinto in his homily focused on Mother Mary’s virtues and her role in our families and emphasized on importance of prayer in our families. Fr George Vadukutt expressed his gratitude and welcomed to Fr Stephen and thanked each and everyone responsible for making the Monthi Fest celebration beautiful and meaningful.

The choir being an integral part of the celebration added melody to the devotion. The vibrant choir team sang to the Glory of God and the congregation actively joined their voices for a meaningful participation. The choir team consisted of Naveen Mathias, Sachin Lobo, Priyan D’Souza, Renita D’Souza, Sandra Concesso, Suman Mathias, Hendrita Colaco, Veena Paes, Sunita Furtado, Tressy Goveas, Larissa Goveas and Juvan Sequeira. Triven Goveas, Evan Mathias and Nathan D’Souza were on Keyboard. Violin was played by Laura D’sa and guitar Johan Mathias.
Meera Saldanha handled visuals and presentations.

The readings by Michael Goveas and Rinet Menezes and prayers of faithful by Lloyd D’Cunha engaged the spiritual enthusiasm among the congregation.

Volunteers who helped in overall arrangements are – Selwin, Francis, Joseph, Lawrence, Sebastian, Sunil,Ms Rozy, Marcuz, Roshwin, Macline, Raphael, Rajesh, Ashwin, Maklin, Amith, Lenson and Rajesh.

After the Mass, the blessed Paddy Corns (Novem) and the holy pictures of Mother Mary were distributed, and all the children received goody bags while refreshments were served to the gathering.

Preparations began much early by GMCC team under the leadership of Prem Colaco, vibrant and eminent leader of the Mangalorean community.

The executive committee 2022 – 2024 members who represent Ghala Mangalorean Community, Ghala, Sultanate of Oman are:

Prem Colaco: President
Ophelia Lazarus: Vice President- Finance
Praveen Serra: Vice President- Cultural
Wilson Kinnigoli: General Secretary
Stino Pinto: Finance Secretary
Loy Castelino: Cultural Secretary
Alex Noronha: Internal Auditor
Suneel Menezes: Sports Secretary
Lloyd D’Cunha: Community Services Secretary
Meera Saldanha: Spiritual & Choir Secretary
Selwin Lewis: Techno-Support Secretary

Sponsors of the feast: Margaret & Liguory Dmello

Goody bag Sponsors:
Areej Vegetable Oils & Derivatives SAOC
Lulu Group International
Muscat Pharmacy LLC
Enhance Oman
IFFCO
Pran Foods
Sofan Trading
Oman Foodstuff Factory LLC
Nabil Biscuits
Tawoos Renaissance Oman
Mai Dubai – Rudolph Vaz
Coca-Cola – Ignatius Castelino
Biscuits, Noodles & Chocolates-Courtesy Priyanka Mendonca (Saya, Angel Bilmin & Ila)
Philomena Mendonca – Support Sponsor
Stino Pinto – Support Sponsor
Bags for Goodys - Lulu Hypermarket -Courtesy Philomena Mendonca

Refreshments & Water:
Feast day – CAESARS Confectionery
Novena days – Meals
Renaissance Services SAOG (Tawoos Caterers) – Courtesy Ravi Bulsara ref Lloyd D’Cunha
Pinto’s Chinese food - Courtesy Henry Pinto
South Express – Courtesy Lancy Lobo
Water – Courtesy UMF Helping hands -Courtesy Sunil Cardoza & Team
Water – Courtesy well-wisher - WD
Altar & Bambino Deco designers:
Leena & Silvia Fernandes
Flowers - Courtesy Ghala Mangalorean Friends

Media & Event Photography: Joachim D’souza

Audio & Techno: TALENTZ Enterprises LLC - Sultanate of Oman