Abu Dhabi: Monti Fest celebrated at St.Joseph’s Cathedral in pomp and grandeur

By Alphonse Mendonsa
Bellevision Media Network

Abu Dhabi, 13 Sept 2013: The enthusiastic and colorfully dressed anxious little children along with their parents were gathered at the grotto for showering flowers to their dear Mother Mary. The celebrations at St. Joseph’s Cathedral Abu Dhabi began on Thursday 12th September 2013 evening with the showering flowers at the grotto at 7:45pm prior to the mass.Rev. Fr. Valerian Fernandes blessed the statue of infant Mary and also the new corn and thanked God Almighty for providing food for us in the form of new corn. This tradition is followed from the early ages our ancestors came down from Goa in the 16th Century and it was the day our ancestors gave thanks to God for providing us food and nourishment.  The little children showered the flowers accompanied by traditional hymn “ Moriek Hogollxiam “ by the Konkani Choir. Earlier Mr. RupertVaz welcomed the gathering and advised the procedures on showering the flowers and mass arrangements.

 

The festival mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Valerian Fernandes and the visiting priest Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes delivered the beautiful and meaningful homily.  Since Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Savarimuttu was on vacation Rev. Fr. Troy delivered the message on the occasion of Nativity of B.V. Mary and wished all konkani congregations Happy Monti Fest.   It was also the occasion of Fr. Valerian’s 50thB’day being on 13th of September, he celebrated the thanksgiving mass for all the blessing and gifts he had received throughout his life and offered the special mass on the occasion of Monti Fest which is very dear to all Mangaloreans.

 

 

On behalf of all the parishioners Mr. Conrad D’Souza offered a flower bouquet to Fr. Valerian on his joyous B’day. 
Fr.Clifforddelivered a meaningful homily wherein he insisted upon the values of the family and specially the Mother’s role in the family and explained how we all should stay together, pray together as a good holy family with a few examples.  He wished all the parishioners blessings of Mother Mary on the auspicious day.

 

The grand mass was attended by nearly 3000 people with great devotion.  The entire feast celebrations were organized by KCO (Konkani Cultural Organization).  The church choir led by Ms. Leena Fernandes and Wilfred Fernandes and group rendered melodious and enchanting hymns.

 

Prior to closing of the ceremony the President of KOC Mr. Benet D’Mello thanked Fr. Valerian for celebrating the mass and also thanked all congregations and donors for their contribution.  He also wished Fr. Valerian on the occasion of his 50thB’day and offered him a floral bouquet.

 

Fr. Valerian also proposed Vote of thanks and thanked each and every one who participated and organized the entire proceedings of the Monti Fest Celebrations.  He specially thanked the Choir led by Ms. Leena Fernandes, the altar boys, the KCO for organizing the entire celebrations, mass, New Corn, seating arrangements, etc.  He also thanked visiting Fr. Clifford for joining him in the celebrations and for his meaningful homily and finally for the konkani congregation attending the Monti Fest celebrations in large numbers and wished all the people Happy Feast of Nativity of B.V. Mary.

 

At the end of the celebration the snack box and juice was served by KCO members for all those attended the Monti Fest Celebrations.