Monthi Fest Celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, Bahrain
Freddy D'Souza
Bahrain, Sep 11: Sacred Heart Church Bahrain's Konkani Catholic Community celebrated Monthi-fest, Konkan Harvest Festival in grand way on Friday September 9.
Nine days Novena and Mass in preparation for the feast along with retreat preached by visiting Priest Fr Dolphy Serrao commenced on August 31. Through his meaningful preaching Fr Dolphy attracted a large congregation who experienced a rich harvest of spiritual blessings and healings. Hundreds of children daily offered flowers to infant Mary.
The Feast Mass on Friday was attended by around 2,000 faithful. The service commenced at 10.30 am at the outdoor stage, with the blessing of a new paddy by Fr Dolphy and Spiritual Director Fr Freddy D'Souza .
This was followed by floral offerings to Blessed Infant Mary by the children to the singing of traditional hymns Moriek Hogolsiam and Sokkod Sangatha Meliam.
A grand procession led the congregation to the multipurpose hall where the solemn Feast Mass was held and was concelebrated Fr Dolphy. along with parish priest Fr Dinesh Mendonca, assistant priests Fr Freddy D'Souza, Fr Andrews Santiagu, and visiting priest Fr Steve Rodrigues , the capuchin provincial of Goa.
In his homily, Fr Dolphy explained the origin of Monthi Fest, the meaning and the beauty of its celebration. For the large congregation, it was indeed an awesome experience.
The choir organized by Freddy D'Souza and conducted by Menino Fernandes was well appreciated and helped the congregation to participate in the celebration meaningfully.
A short cultural programme too was held in the Bishop Tirinanzi Auditorium. The program commenced with an invocation dance by Rensilla Fernandes and Evita Castelino.
The Priests and the Carmelite Sisters were then invited on stage for the cutting of the celebration cake. After the address by Parish Priest Fr Dinesh Mendonca, a felicitation program was held to thank Fr Dolphy and also to congratulate well known community workers Mr. Ignatius & Florine Mathais who recently.celebrated thier 50th wedding anniversary. Goeinchi girestkai part II written by Maria Pereira was released during the event.
This was followed by hilarious comedy skits acted out by George Menezes, Prakash D’Costa,
Stany D’Souza and Sujay Pinto and a dance presentation by Rensila Fernandes, Evita, Hensil, Mishel, Edna, Lavita and also a solo song by Francis Lobo.
A raffle draw was held and the prizes for these were donated by well wishers. Papillon Restaurant catered a sumptuous vegetarian meal. The costs of the event were covered through support from various benefactors who donated whole heartedly and extended their support as truly one united community;
Konkani Community main coordinator Charles D’Almeida proposed the vote of thanks.
Hilary Tellis and G R Crasto compered the event.