Rons Bantwal for Daijiworld Media Network – Pune (RD)

Pune, Sep 21: The Mangalorean Catholic Association organized the celebrations of Nativity of Mary ‘Monti Fest’ in Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, Pimpri, here.  Flowers were showered in honour of Infant Mary by the children.  Fr Joe Mathias SJ, blessed the new paddy sheaves and led them in procession till the church.  Fr Pratap Naik, director, St Thomas Stephen Konkani Centre, Goa, offered the festive Mass along with Fr Joe Mathias, Fr Eddy D’Mello SVD, Belman,  Fr Walter Saldanha, Kirem, and Fr Nicholas Pereira, Shirthady from Bareily diocese.  Sr Lilly Fernandes Cordel, gave information on the significance of ‘Monthi Fest’.

Later, a stage programme was held at the church hall. John A Moniz, editor, Dirvem Konkani Weekly, was the chief guest while Fr Pratap Naik SJ, Fr Joe Mathias, cultural director Rony Menezes, Sabina D’Souza, were the guests of honour.

Aloysius Saldanha, president, Mangalorean Catholic Association, introduced the guests.  Benjamin Mathias Shirva, treasurer, presented the annual report.  Senorita Rodrigues, offered the prayers.

Konkani plays of popular Konkani dramatist Francis Fernandes Cascia, were staged as part of  the entertainment programme. 

Sr Tara Beltangady, Sr Magdeline Martis Pangla, Sr Jonita Goa, Baptist A D’Souza, Herald R Alva, were among those present.

The distinct Mangalorean delicacies of Monthi Fest were shared among the parishioners. 

Watch Nativity Feast Celebration Photo Albums: From Mangalore, Bangalore, Mumbai, Middle East, UK, USA, Canada, Israel, Germany, New Zealand.... Click Here