By Ronald D’Souza and Joe Andrade
[With inputs from Freddie and Edwin for Daijiworld Media Network]
Bahrain, Sep 10: The Konkan Harvest Festival (Monti Fest) 2007 was celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm under the auspices of the Konkani Prayer Group at the Sacred Heart Church premises in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, on Friday 7th September 2007. The service commenced at 1045 Hrs.
Rev. Fr. Thomas Quadros, Parish Priest, in the presence of assistant parish priest, Rev. Fr. Uldarico Camus, and visiting priests Rev. Fr. Valerian Menezes and Rev. Fr. Altimo Gomes, blessed the new paddy, specially flown in from Mangalore, in an august ceremony at the outdoor stage. Children of all ages offered and showered fresh flowers to Mother Mary with reverence and the whole congregation melodiously singing the devotional hymn to Mother Mary: “Sogott Sangatha Mellia”
Later the faithful offered High Mass in Konkani, the main celebrant being Rev. Fr. Valerian Menezes. During the homily, Fr. Valerian conveyed the meaning of ‘Monti Fest’, its significance and how it originated from the Portuguese era highlighting the important role Mother Mary played in her life time. Fr. Menezes emphasized the importance of unity within our Community and the Parish, and stressed on the importance of Konkani language, which should be spoken in our homes with our children. The Choir led by Menino Fernandes gave the right blend of musical grace to the whole liturgy.
After the offering of Holy sacrifice of Mass in honor of Mother Mary, traditional sweets and coconut juice (roce) laced with blessed paddy were distributed to all the faithful gathered as a community. This was followed by a short cultural program at the Bishop Tirinanzi Auditorium, that included a folk dance by little children entitled “Nach, Nach Konkara” choreographed by Priya Mascarenhas, a comedy skit, “Souza Restaurant” written and directed by Alwyn Peris, a song in Konkani and a Mono-Act entitled, “Maim-Put” by Dominic. The whole program was capably compered by Mr. John Rebello and the event concluded with a sumptuous vegetarian buffet provided by well known Caterer “Chef’s Corner”.
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