Dubai: UAE's St Mary's Welfare Association of Shirva Celebrates Monthi Fest
Report: Vilma Saldanha
Pics: Roshan Clod
Dubai Sep 10: "Thy birth, O Virgin Mother of God, heralded joy to the entire world. For from thou hast risen the Son of justice, Christ our God."
UAE’s St Mary's Welfare Association of Shirva (USWAS) celebrated Monthi Fest or Nativity Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary at The Karama Hotel in Tantra Banquet Hall on Friday September 9 under the leadership of President Canute D’Souza.
About 200 Shirva Parishners were gathered to celebrate the Monthi fest. Roshan Menezes the Master of the ceremony briefed the gathering about the importance of Monthi Fest. A warm welcome was addressed to the gathering by the President Canute D’Souza. Best wishes and blessings from Shirva priest Fr Stany Tauro for all the parishners in Dubai was announced.
The traditional celebration commenced with a procession headed by native Shirva Parishners Mrs.Florine Barboza and Christine Tauro who carried the statue of infant Mary along with ‘blessed Novem’, which was specially flown from Shirva parish from Paul’s paddy field for the occasion. Prayer to worship Mother Mary was led by Lesly Saldanha and Lavina Tauro followed by offering flowers by children, young and elders while singing the hymns ‘Sakkad Sangatha Mellyam and Moriyek Hogolsiam’. Blessed Novem mixed in milk was served to all. Children were offered with sweets and gifts. The Message of the day was given to all by very FrVincent Periera from shirva now serving at Canada. He said that, “The devotees of Mother Mary are protected in her arms at all times”.
USWAS thanked Francis Lobo, DGM of Karama hotel for his support extended towards us. Flower bouqet were presented to our guest of honor Very Rev Fr Vincent Periera and FrJ.B.Crasta and sponsors
The cultural programme commenced with an electrifying dance performance from Michole D'Souza on the number” Laila O Laila and Monica oh my Darling”. Ginelle performed on the most happening song “Jalebi Bai”. Foot tapping Performance on the Number Double Dhamal and Character Dheela hai was given by Vilma Saldanha, Josna Martis and Boskyambyagar group. Joy Almeida,Prashant Sequiera and Uttam Menezes entertained the crowd with some wonderful Konkani songs supported by Arun Carlo with his excellent music.
Sharan D’Souza, Denis Mathias, Cloud D'Lima, Denis Gomes, Canute Dsouza, Vilma Saldanha, Josna Martis and Vanita Menezes performed short comedy skits and dance acts like Bailani marle, Amar Akbar Anthony, Original- Duplicate, Mhaka Zai which left the audience thoroughly entertained.
Various spot games were efficiently conducted for kids and adults by Roshan Menezes the master of ceremony. A sumpcious traditional vegetarian meal and vorn was served to all. The programme concluded with a rocking baila on the dance floor. The gathering made all the Shirva members to feel the united family bond yet again.