Media Release
Mumbai, Sep 9: Monthi Fest was celebrated by St Joseph’s Konkani Welfare Association, Mira Road on September 8 at Community Hall of St Joseph’s Church, Mira Road.
The programme started with a welcome dance by the children of Association members. Calisth Cardoza, president of the association welcomed the gathering. Fr Melwin D'Cunha (Spiritual Director of the association and parish priest of St Joseph’s Church), Fr Lawrence (Superior, Carmel Community, Miraroadt), Fr Stephen Pereira (chief guest), and Anthony Periera (well-wishers of association) along with office bearers of the association were at the dais.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr Melwin D'Cunha explained the significance of the feast, stating that it is a feast of the family where all family members get together for the ‘Noven Jevan’. He praised the association for the good work done by them.
Merit holders (children of association members) in SSC and above were honoured.
Prizes were distributed to the winners of competition of inaugural issue of Konkani Preran, a magazine published by the association. Second issue of Konkani Preran was released by chief guest Fr Stephen Pereira, OCD and he said he is very happy to see the work being done by the association.
The association is not only working for the development of Konkani, they are also recognizing the talents of children and encouraging them. He urged the audience to become member of the association and encourage it in its work.
A skit Monthi Festh written and directed by Joy Paladka, cultural secretary and enacted by members of the association and their children was staged.
Auction of vegetables and Rice Mudo was held during the skit. There was ‘Noven Sevnche’ programme in the skit and at that time spiritual director of the association, Fr Melwin D'Cunha conducted the prayer in traditional way.
Thereafter Noven was distributed to all. Members of the association and their children entertained the crowd with jokes and songs. Anita D'Souza, vice president of the Association offered vote of thanks. The second part of the programme was ‘Noven Jevan’ programme in traditional way.
Prayer before meals was by Fr Lawrence D'Cunha. Vegitarian ‘Jevan (Dinner) was served on the banana leaf and Laudate was sung by the members of St Joseph’s Konkani Welfare Association.
Arun Noronha and Jossy Gonsalves compared the programme beautifully.