M’belle: Monthi Festh celebrated in St. John the Baptist II Ward

By Veena Rebello
Pics by Rinol Rodrigues
Bellevision Media Network

M’belle, 23 Sep 2013:The Ward level Monthi Festh was celebrated by the members of St. John the Baptist II Ward on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 12 noon at the residence of Victor-Hilda Machado in Marne, Moodubelle. Fr. Robert Lasrado (OFM-Cap)-Director of Assisi Nilaya,  Fr. Raj-Principal of St. Lawrence English Medium High School and sisters from the Loreto Convent-Sr. Irene and Sr. Lavina were present as guests.  Other guests included Gurkarnis of neighbouring wards-Miss Theresa Lobo, Mrs. Anitha Mendonca and Mrs. Gracy Rebello.

 
Following the welcome by Rohan D’Souza, the host of the feast, Victor Machado welcomed the guests with flowers. Prayer service was held followed by reflection on Mother Mary and offering of flowers by the children of the ward.

 
In his message, Fr. Raj emphasized on the need to develop the devotion of Rosary. He said that while Rosary is recited each bead is like offering a flower to Mother Mary. He further said that we should take the example of simplicity from Mother Mary. As she  accepted the will of God so also we should  obey the will of God.

 

 
 
Fr. Robert Lasrado in his message said that as the members of the ward come together in Small Christian Communities and pray together and spend some time  in prayer to God and thus we take one step forward towards God. While we  take one step towards God, He takes nine steps towards his people. Hence, he made an appeal to strengthen the Ward prayer meetings. Meanwhile, as the Christian families are becoming smaller day by day, it is quite significant that the members of the ward come together and celebrate the Monthi Festh. We have to sustain and continue the good tradition and customs of our ancestors. In this way we can be a good example to our non-Christian brethren. On behalf of the parish priest, Fr. Robert Lasrado extended the greetings of the feast to all ward members.

 
The children of the ward sang hymns in honour of Mother Mary. Entertainment was provided through the Housie-housie game and prizes were distributed to the winners. Gurkarn of the War Mrs. Gladys Rebello proposed the vote of thanks.  Mrs. Imilia Noronha who prepared the vegetarian food and the sponsors of the prizes and vehicle Roman D’Souza and family and Richard D’Souza were felicitated by offering them roses. Mrs. Gladys Rebello also thanked all the members of the ward who cooperated in preparing the vegetarian meal.

 
Sr. Irene recited grace before the meal. Rohan D’Souza compeered the entire programme. Ward members enjoyed the ‘novem jevann’, payasam, laddoos and sugarcane.