Ras Al Khaimah: Monthi Fest celebration in St. Anthony Church

By Alex Crasta, Ras Al Khaimah
Pics by : Anicet Florindo/Noel Castelino/Ryan Crasta
Bellevision Media Network

Ras Al Khaimah, 08 September 2011: The Konkani Community of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, Ras Al Khaimah, consisting of a number of Mangalorean and Goan families celebrated the Feast of Nativity of Mother Mary on Thursday, September 08 with great religious fervor.

 

The ceremony started with flower strewing by about 30 kids with the choir singing “Moryek hogoshiam..” in honour of Mother Mary. Adults too joined the children  in  the  flower  strewing  ceremony.  All devotees along with priest marched in procession to the Grotto to the tune of “Sokkad Sangaatha Melyaan ……”

 

The feast high mass was celebrated by Fr. Augustine Fernandes, the  Assistant Priest at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Al Ain. The choir group under the leadership of Agnes Roche, with Prashant Pinto at  the  key board, sang some beautiful new hymns,  to add splendor to the mass. All devotees joined the choir in singing, as every hymn was displayed on a visual screen in bi-lingual script, thus making participation in the mass more meaningful. The mass was well attended by nearly 250 devotees.

 

 

After the mass sweets were distributed to the children and blessed   corn to adults.

 

The same evening the  Community celebrated the  feast by a  cultural show  full  of live  entertainment -  songs, games  and  spot  prizes at the local Venus Restaurant. The  show  was  compered  by Dr. Zita Lobo.  The  “Noven Jevaann”  was  served in a traditional way on banana  leaves  by Venus Restaurant who  had prepared  some delicious traditional Mangalorean food .
The Community  sang “Lavdaathe ….”. after the last  serving.

 

After  food a   housie game was conducted  by Ramona Fernandes and  finally the  show  ended   with  a  vote of  thanks  by Alex Crasta.

 

The Konkani community enjoyed this rare occasion as one family.