News: Janet D’Souza
Pics: Aaron Fernandes
Canada, Sep 18: 'Monthi Fest’ or the Nativity of Our Lady kindles and evokes a flood of sentimental and wistful memories in the minds of the Konkani Catholic community within Canada. Monthi Fest is an intrinsic part of Konkan culture as it celebrates not only the harvest but also emphasizes the significance of the birthday of Mother Mary.
The Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) celebrated ‘Monthi Fest’ on September 8, with devotion and grandeur befitting our Mother Mary at St Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Mississauga. Gerry D’Mello, MAC’s most ardent and committed supporter welcomed the faithful and quickly summarized the flow of religious events. A solemn procession of little children carrying trays of beautiful flowers entered the hall and they enthusiastically offered flowers in honor of Mother Mary to the lilting tunes of ‘Sokkod Sangatha Mellyam’ and ‘Moriyek Hogolsiyan’.
As this ceremony ended, people walked with deep devotion in a procession accompanied by the choir to celebrate the Konkani Mass. Fr Andrew Lewis, celebrating his Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee, was the main celebrant and Fr Roshan D’Souza gave an evocative and passionate homily that stirred the hearts and minds of the congregation. The co-celebrants of the mass were Fr Ranjan D’Sa, Fr Rajesh D’Souza, Fr Wilson Andrade, Fr Godwin Pinto, Fr Rudolph D’Souza and deacon Sarfraz Pinto. Sr Ferdinanda, most ardent supporter, attended the Monthi Fest celebrations too. The Eucharistic celebrations were made even more exceptional as the rafters of the church reverberated with the harmonious choir led by the immensely talented Merlyn Rodrigues. The Holy Mass began with a welcome and ended with a vote of thanks offering gratitude and appreciation to the clergy as well as attendees and sponsors. Blessed candles were then distributed to all the Mass Muddhoms and sponsors.
The cultural programme commenced at Pope John Paul II hall with some snacks and a heartwarming welcome by the dynamic and incomparable president of MAC, Everest Vijay Dante. He highlighted the prominence of Monthi Fest, briefly touched on the many accomplishments of MAC and applauded all those who stood by MAC in its best and worst times. MAC thanked the clergy, sponsors, volunteers and performers for their abundant generosity, invaluable support, valuable time and energy and then introduced two outstanding and gifted youngsters, Carol Pinto and Nicole Lewis, the emcees of the cultural programme.
The programme began with a dance by little children depicting the rosary devotion, veneration and symbolic offerings to Mother Mary in gratitude. In striking authentic costumes and tantalizing jewelry, the brides and grooms of India transcended time and cultural boundaries. And the dances of India was a dazzling and breathtaking display of versatility, passion and authenticity. Choreographers Jasmine Monteiro, Vaishavi Sathyamoorthi and Carol Lobo together with Diana D’Mello and Karina D’Mello set the stage on fire with mesmerizing choreography, traditional costumes and eye-catching makeup and hair styles. Music can be glorious, evoking so many emotions. Singers such as Lara Rebello and Pinto Brothers, Lloyd, Linton and Larsen with Odette Sequeira charmed the guests with their incredible Konkani, English and Hindi songs. Several extraordinary dances performed by groups such as Bombaikars, Team Cousins, and Konkan Nekhetran captivated the audience who enthusiastically supported the young performers.
Committed and passionate about community service, Maxim D’Mello, past president of MAC and a current management committee member has devoted over two decades of his life to the Mangalorean community in Canada. Maxim D’Mello, a reputable and accomplished leader has touched many hearts, helped countless people, evolved MAC into a progressive forward-thinking association, implemented innovative digital tools and proven himself to be a champion of traditions and customs. In recognition of Maxim’s numerous contributions, MAC honored him in a ceremony that was graciously conducted by Everest Vijay Dante. Maxim was presented an award as a mark of respect and tribute. Fr Andrew Lewis, celebrating his Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee was also felicitated by MAC’s spiritual advisor, Fr Roshan Loy D’Souza with a silk shawl and a gift.
Sponsors are collaborators; partners and their contributions not only increase their brand awareness but also helps MAC support meaningful events and causes. Sponsors were given due honor for their beneficence and kindness and were called on stage to acknowledge their generosity. The youth in the community are an indispensable part of future and legacy and in support of this investment, MAC provides scholarship awards to the winners of the scholarship programme. The 1st and 2nd award for year 1 went to Royston Rego and Chris D’Souza. Year 2 award was shared by Ethan D’Souza and Waylon Mathias. MAC is extremely proud of all applicants and wishes them well in their educational journey.
Fr Rudolph D’Souza blessed the new corn or the ‘Noven’ with a prayer and reflection ensuring the continuation of a tradition endearingly followed by Catholics universally. This was followed by a sumptuous vegetarian dinner such as pothrade, bimbli saar, saango and vorn lovingly catered by Loy D’Souza of Konkan Delite. The final item in the programme was the 50/50 raffle draw and 50% of the proceeds from the raffle draw were allocated to Snehalaya, an organization in Mangalore that caters without discrimination to the last, least and lost in society. With the singing of ‘Laudate’, the beautiful nativity cultural programme was concluded.
MAC sincerely appreciated the support and participation of all the volunteers, especially Samson Soans for his tireless work with the programme, music and audiovisual expertise, Aaron Fernandes who captured unforgettable memories with his camera and the dedication of its members and organizers who were committed to make Monthi Fest an astounding success.
For more photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/JuoQsKGPdgdMtEiZA