Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Pune
Pune, Sep 16: The feast of Blessed Virgin Mary (Monthi Fest) was celebrated on September 11 by Mangalorean Catholic Asociation (MCA) at Our Lady Consoler of the Afflicted, Pimpri, Pune.
The celebration commenced with devotees showering flowers on the statue of Mother Mary amidst the sweet strains of ever-fresh hymns 'Sakkad sangatha melyan' and 'Moriyek Hogolshiyam'. and expressed their gratitude and love. The new rice corn (Novem) was blessed.
This was followed by a grand celebration of the Eucharist. Fr Alban Rodrigues, parish priest of Kumble, Kasorgod was D’souza celebrated the Holy Eucharist with five co-celebrants. The melodious choir conducted by SVD brothers along with MCA members with the Konkani hymns, made the Mass more prayerful and meaningful.
Fr Alban in his homily stressed upon the need for realizing and living Catholic faith and values. He said, "We are blessed with three mothers – heavenly mother, real mother and the earth, which provides us food." He asked the laity to respect all the three mothers. He also laid emphasis on the family values and the quality time to be spent with the family. More than 250 people participated in the service.
A cultural programme was organized by MCA members following the mass. The programme began with lamp lighting. Senorita unveiled the curtains of the stage with her self-choreographed prayer dance, which followed welcoming the guests to stage. Assis Gonsalves, AGM Syndicate Bank, Pune was the chief guest while his wife Jacintha Gonsalves and well known Konkani composer and singer Victor Concessao from Mumbai were the guests of honour.
The chief guest called upon all to keep Konkani spirit, culture and tradition alive by teaching Konkani to children. Gonsalves felicitated the meritorious children of MCA members who passed in SSC, HSC and graduation this year.
Victor Concessao felicitated the outgoing president and one of the founder members of MCA for his selfless service to MCA in Pune. Victor sang a self-composed Konkani song with Pune Team-Konxie pikon ravlea. MCA members, their children along with SVD brothers performed various activities during the programme. Dance by kids, folk dance by ladies, comedy dance by SVD brothers and skit – “Anticho Interview” were noteworthy. Stephen Lobo compered the programme.
Every one enjoyed the traditional delicious meal in Mangy style, Halu-dento, Chonne, sheet, daal vorn. Everywhere a typical Mangalorean atmosphere could be felt. It was a real wonderful experience of living the Mangalorean culture together.