Report and Pics by Jeevan Tauro, Vancouver Canada.
 
Vancouver Sep 14: A beautiful serene land in the west coast of Canada fondly called beautiful British Columbia yet again saw Monti Fest celebrated at the St. Edmund's Church in North Vancouver.
It was an evening to be cherished for many days to come; everyone looked resplendent in their festive attire, there was eagerness on the faces of the people and the sight of little children carrying the platter of flowers, was a moment of joy to all present there. People from different parishes from the coastal region gathered here in huge numbers to celebrate the Monthi Fest in a grand way.
 
The Eucharistic celebration started at 4:00 p.m and was presided over by Fr. Rudolph D'souza, OCD, along with Fr Jerry D'souza, OCD, Fr. Jerome Mascharenhas OCD, Fr Ranjan D'sa, OCD and Fr. Mario Fernandes, OCD.

 
The procession was led by Fr. Jerry D'souza along with Louie and Ella D'cunha and the children carrying the corn tray. As everyone sang the hym 'Sakkad sangathan melyam', children walked in procession carrying flowers and showered flowers to the hymn of "Moriyek Hogolsiam". The Paddy grains were flown in especially for the occasion from Mangalore by Louie D'cunha.

The Mass commenced with a welcome note by Fr. Jerry D'souza and the readings were read by Ella D'cunha and Sujay Nazareth.
 
After the Eucharistic celebration, the manglorean community members organised a grand celebration at the parish hall at 6:00 p.m. It was an evening filled with fun and entertainment for all. Old and yound swayed to the Konkani and English music played by Norbert Cutinho. The program was compered by Alfred Sequeira. The games were organised by Sharon and group. There was mouth watering authentic Mangalorean food and the Vorn prepared by the community members. This event would not be possible without the hard work put in by Louie & Ella D'cunha, Meera Nazareth, Alfred Sequeira, Gratian Fernandes, Albert D'souza, Fr. Jerry D'souza and all the Mangalorean community members. A special word of praise for Louie & Ella D'cunha for organising this event as Fr. Jerry rightly mentioned. The function ended at around 9.30 p.m with thanksgiving by Alfred Sequeira who thanked one and all for the efforts put in to make this Monti Fest 2009 a grand success.

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