Abu Dhabi Konkani Community celebrates Monti Fest with traditional touch and Devotion

By Alphonse Mendonsa
Bellevision Media Network

Abu Dhabi, 15 Septmber 2012: The Konkani community of Abu Dhabi braced the hot and humid conditions and attended the traditional Monti Fest in large numbers.  The preparations had started much earlier with little kids and parents getting ready for the grand honour to celebrate the B’day of Mother Mary by arranging flowers and getting their little angels with the best attire as possible.

 

The little angles did shine with their dazzling dresses and were ready at the grotto of St. Joseph’s Cathedral at about 7:30pm on Thursday evening.  The evening blessing of new corn (Novem) and statue of Infant Mary was blessed by the visiting Priest from Mangalore Rev. Fr. Charles Furtado and joined in the celebration were Rev. Fr. James D’Souza (also on a visit from Mangalore of Beltangadi Parish) and Rev. Fr. Valerian Fernandes, spiritual director of various Konkani communities of the parish.

 

The choir started honouring mother Mary with the traditional hymns “Sakkad Sangata Melyan” requesting all Konkani community to join as one single family to honour Mother Mary and the little kids showering the Infant Mary to the tune of beautiful hymn “ Moreak Hogolsiam “.  The statue of Infant Mary along with blessed Novem was then taken in a grand procession to the alter beautifully decorated by Konkani Prayer Group.

 

The Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Savarimuthu thanked the Konkani Community for attending this large gathering and said that he actually looked forward to this great feast every year celebrated by Konkani community with such a great devotion to Mother Mary and wished them blessings of Mother Mary to be showered upon them and their family members.    On the occasion of B’day of Rev. Fr. Valerian Fernandes,  Fr. Mutthu offered a floral bouquet to him and wished him Happy B’day on behalf of Konkani community.

 

The solemn mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Charles Furtado, Rev. Fr. James D’Souza and Rev. Fr. Valerian Fernandes.  In his homily Rev. Fr. Furtado praised the mothers for their selfless sacrifices towards their children and they are true examples of Mother Mary.  He also sited a few examples where mothers have sacrificed their life for their children to live.  It was a wonderful sermon by Fr. Furtado and he then wished all the community a very Happy Monti Fest.

 

 

Rev. Fr. Valerian Fernandes, Spiritual director of Konkani community thanked Fr. Charles Furtado for concelebrating the Mass and Fr. James D’Souza for joining the festivity, the organizers, KCO, KPG, Choir, Ushers and all volunteers who worked tirelessly to celebrated this great and esp. close to heart of all Mangaloreans.  He also conveyed the wishes of Bishop HE Paul Hinder who could not attend this mass due to his other commitments.

 

The choir rendered led by Ms. Leena Fernandes and Wilfred Fernandes beautiful, melodious hymns during the mass.

 

The sound system was provided by Joel and team of Broadway Sound Systems Abu Dhabi.

 

At the end of the service Novem and snack box was distributed to all members of the community.