Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (EP)

Mumbai, Sep 24: Konkani Mandali Chakala recently celebrated Monti Fest. The celebrations were held in the Church of Holy Family. 

The corn was consecrated by Fr Charles Vas (SVD) and Fr Leo Suares (SJ) in front of the Grotto at 7.30 am, before the holy mass.

Fr Charles Vas offered the mass. He explained how the Monti Fest came into existence and how do the people celebrate it during the sermon. Konkani hymns by Konkani choir increased the beauty of the holy mass.
 
A social and cultural programme was held at 10.45 am at Holy family school hall. The statue of mother Mary was brought to the hall by hymns. Mandali member Antony D’ Souza explained what and how is Monti Fest. Children of Divya Jyothi convent displayed a dance in honor of Mother Mary and threw flowers.
 
Joel Almeida and Dyna Cardoza conducted the programme. Konkani choir members set the entertainment programme in motion by singing “Konkni Bhas Amchi”.  Songs by Rubina Furtado, Alwyn Fernandes, Felix Prasanna, Joyce Lasrado and jokes by Valerian Lobo, Lancy Sequeira and party were appreciated by everybody. Children displayed dance under the training of Lancy, Velida, Hezel, Deepika and Priyanka.
 
Mark Fernandes and group conducted goan “Mando” besides asking questions among the audience to make them participate in the function. He thanked the donors by giving flower bouquets to them.

Member Lavina Serrao thanked everybody with beautiful words of gratitude. Tasty lunch by Akshay caterers was served on the occasion. Fr Leo Suares invoked God’s blessings on the food.
 
The efforts of Rony Fernandes, John D’ Souza, Eugene Lobo and others behind the scene made the programme a success.
 
The members have supported and worked for the programme like the words in the hymn “Let us join and let us come closer” and we have seen fruitful results. Pray that mother Mary bless those who have worked hard and supported the programme and enable us to conduct the programme in the years to come.