Boston: Mangalorean Catholic Association-New England celebrates Monti Fest in traditional flavor

By Dr. Lynn DSouza
Photos by : Chris Monis & Santhosh D’Mello
Bellevision Media Network

 Albums: Nativity Fest around the world

 

Boston/USA, 10 Sep 2015: Mangalorean Catholic Association-New England (MCA-NE) in collaboration with Belle Vision USA, celebrated the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, traditionally called ‘Monti Fest’ by Mangalorean Catholics, at St Mary’s church, Chelmsford MA (suburbs of Boston MA), here  on Sunday September 6.

 

Over 120 people from over 7 states across the US, joined in this auspicious celebration, which began with the traditional ‘flower offering’ to Mary, accompanied by singing ‘Moriyek Hogolsiyan’. After which, everyone processed to the church with the statue of Infant Mary, and joined in the Konkani Mass concelebrated  by Fr Maurice D’Souza , who had flown all the way from Cleveland Ohio to be with the Mangalorean community, and Fr Paul Pinto from Easton MA.

 

Fr Maurice highlighted the historical significance of Monti Fest, and its relevance today, to Mangaloreans living away from home.

 

After Mass, the celebrations continued in the parish hall.  Authentic Mangalorean snacks and refreshments were served. The welcome address to the guests was delivered by Dr Lynn D’Souza, president of the MCA-NE.

 

 

Dr Lynn thanked the priests for their spiritual guidance and extended a welcome to them, and urged them to partake in the celebrations in the years to come. A special welcome was extended to the chief guest of the event Karnataka MLC Ivan D’Souza, who had flown all the way from Mangaluru to join the celebrations.

 

After Fr Maurice and Fr Pinto addressed the guests, MLC Ivan D’Souza spoke to those gathered, and complimented them on the achievements of Mangaloreans in the US, and urged them to go back to their homeland and establish themselves on their home ground. He assured them of his complete support in any way that he could.

 

This was followed by a variety of cultural events by participants of all ages. The highlight of the evening was a Konkani skit by Fredrick, Santosh and Felix.  Games were conducted by Priya and Loy D’Souza.

 

Keeping up the tradition of the harvest festival, authentic Mangalorean vegetarian dinner was served, catered by Stany Ferrao. The Novem Jevon was a delectable spread of 9 dishes followed by ‘Vorn and Holige’ as desserts.

 

After dinner, all the guests were lured to the dance floor by the catchy beats of music, by DJ Irwin D’Souza and Clayton Monis.

 

Before the event was wrapped up, there was a distribution of toys for tots by Victor Sequeira. This was a well acclaimed gesture amongst all the children, who enjoyed ‘Santa in September.’

 

Bellevision USA president Felix Noronha thanked everyone present for making the event a grand success.

 

 

 Albums: Nativity Fest around the world