Mumbai: St Vincent Pallotti parish, Andheri (E) celebrates Monti Fest with Cultural Shows

Pics By Aldrin Castelino
Bellevision Media Network

Mumbai, 16  Sep, 2014: The feast of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary (Monthi Festh) was celebrated on Sunday, 14  September 2014 at St. Vincent Pallotti Church, Vijayanagar,  Andheri(East). This was the first time that the feast was celebrated at parish level.

 

Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Charles Fernandes lead the  prayers and hymns and blessed the new harvest and vegetables. Children carrying fresh flowers kept showering them on the statue of Mother Mary. The statue of Infant Mary was then taken up to the hall in procession.

 

The cultural programme was organised by Joy Paladka along with president John Crasta and members of St. Joseph Konkani Welfare Association.

 

 

Richard Cornelio, a parishioner was appointed as the Gurkhar for the programme. He welcomed all gathered in a traditional way by offering “Paanpod and godh udhak”. Rev. Fr. Charles blessed the new paddy (Noven) and distributed to all. The cultural programme began with a prayer dance performed by children. To add more spice to the gathering,  Kenny and Sucrena sang a number of Goan and Manglorean songs. There were a number of dances and  a skit by children and elders of the Konkani Association.

 

Mr. Roni Govius M.D of Skylink Freight Forwarders and also a parishioner organised food for the entire event. He also gave the vote of thanks and the members who organised the function were felicitated with a bouquet of flowers.

 

More than 500 people were served the traditional Noven Jevan on the banana leaf. Many parishioners volunteered to serve. Joy Paladka compered the event. The entire programme  was a grand success. Everybody enjoyed the cultural programme and Novem Jevan.