Doha: Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) celebrates Monthi Fest

By Riana Pinto
Pics by Jerald DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Doha, 13 Sep 2014: The Nativity of the Mother Mary is a day close to the heart of all Mangaloreans, especially for the people of Mangalorean origin who are now scattered in different parts of the world.   It is a day which evokes memories of days gone by, of our childhood when we would clamber to collect the best flowers from the neighbourhood to take to church for the nativity novena and eagerly await the sugarcane that was distributed after the feast mass on the 8th of September. It is a day when we would partake in a vegetarian family meal and drink the roce with the blessed grains in it.

 

Mangalore Cricket Club, Qatar endeavours to retain and nurture the rich traditions of our hometown and initiates various events to make its members feel at home and the celebration of the nativity feast is one such event.  MCC celebrated the monthi Fest at Al Ghazal Club on Friday, 12th  September 2014.

 

Mr. Eric Alfred Correa, the philanthropist, Managing Trustee of Souharda Foundation was be the Chief Guest of this program and the guest of honour, Rev. Fr. Anand Castelino, Assistant parish priest and the Spiritual Director of the Konkani Speaking Community at the Lady of Rosary parish, here in Qatar.

 

The evening began with a rendition of a beautiful Konkani hymn in honour of Mother Mary by the children’s choir group. President Norbert Corda then welcomed the gathering and mentioned about the future events. This was followed by the stage program with all dignitaries on the stage. General Secretary Ryan Renjar then introduced the students who excelled in Class X & XII, in Sports & Co-curricular activities and they were honoured by our Founder member Mr. Jerald D’Mello.

 

Vice President Prakash Noronha then introduced four prominent club members Mr. David D’Souza, Mr. Sunil D’Silva, Mrs. Riana Pinto and Mr. Alex Castelino for their exemplary service to the club and community. They were honoured with a memento, shawl and fruit basket by the Chief Guest Eric Correa.

 

Immediate Past President Sunil D’Silva then introduced the Chief Guest of the evening Eric Correa to the audience. President Norbert Corda in the presence of all advisors honoured Eric Correa with Mysore Peta, Shawl, Fruits and Vice President Prakash presented the memento.

 

MCC clubs’s newsletter “Sugandh” was released by Guest of Honour Fr. Anand Castelino along with the editorial committee and the excom members. Fr. Anand then shared a few words about the imporatance of family feast and then blessed the Roce and Nove Jevaan.  Roce was then distributed to the audience who had gathered together as one big Mangalorean family.

 

 

The cultural program then started with a melodius duet from sisters Christle and Clarissa Pinto, followed by dance from teenagers, jokes, spot games, duet song by Alphonse D’Silva & Eva Wilma Pinto, followed by group dance from adults nicely choreographed by Mrs. Vijaya D’Souza, baila songs which entertained the gathered audience thoroughly.

 

Alex Castelino, Sports Secretary proposed the Vote of thanks for all those who helped us through the event’s success.
The program  culminated with the traditional Noven Jevaan with the recitation of "Laudate Domino’.

 

The program was emceed by Mrs. Rita Andrade with her fluent Konkani and enthusiasm.which kept the audience engaged in the activities that happened on stage.

 

Earlier during the day, around 70.volunteers gathered at  Jerry and Leena D’Mello residence, who, every year, throw open wide the doors of their hearts and their residence and enable MCC to host this traditional meal. MCC is also grateful to all the volunteers mainly Vivian D’Souza Jossy D’Souza, & Ivy Rosario for preparing delicious roce, vorn and food and all sanna volunteers who prepared in their homes.

 

[Photo Album]

 

MCC is grateful to all its sponsors, who with their time, efforts and funds, contribute immensely towards the success of the Noven Jevan. to cook a traditional meal. The efforts of the volunteers were paid off and the delicious home-cooked food was appreciated by one and all.

 

The President and the Executive Committee Members of Mangalore Cricket Club take this opportunity to express their gratitude to every member for their participation and support.