MCANE celebrates Monti Fest with traditional flavor

By Victor Sequeira
Bellevision Media Network

Massachusetts/US, 06 Sep 2018: As has been the tradition in the past decade, Mangalorean Catholic Association of New England (MCANE) once again collaborated with Bellevision to celebrate the Solemn feast of the Nativity of Our Blessed Mother (Monti Fest) at St Mary’s Church, Chelmsford MA, on Saturday, September 1.

 

The beautiful September afternoon welcomed Mangaloreans of New England, and theTri state area with warm sunshine. It was a treat to the eye to see the traditional colorful outfits donned by the attendees, complementing the colorful flowers that they had brought to offer to the Blessed Mother.

 

The celebrations started with singing the hymn Sakkad Sangatha Melyan, accompanied by flower offerings in honor of Infant Mary. Followed by a procession to the Church to partake in Konkani Mass that was celebrated by 3 Mangalorean priests Fr Maurice D’Souza from Cleveland, Ohio, Fr Ronald Machado from New Jersey and Rev Fr Cyril.

 

 

After Mass, all gathered in the parish hall for the cultural events and Novem Jevon. It began with a welcome address by the president of the MCA Victor Lewis, followed by various cultural activities. 

 

Traditional Mangalorean food was served. Guests were delighted by the delectable array of Vegetarian foods and had people asking for more. 

 

Performances included songs, skits, performed both by children and adults. Highlights of the evening included a skit by Frederick Fernandes and team and a folk dance by a Mangalorean couple. 

 

DJ Neville lured everyone to the dance floor at the end of the evening – and people danced until it was time to wrap up. 

 

Once again, it was a memorable evening, recreating our tradition that made every Mangalorean nostalgic.