Report : Freddy D’Souza
Photos : Edwin D’Souza
Bahrain, Sep 10: Sacred Heart Church Bahrain's Konkani Catholic Community celebrated Monthi Fest, Konkan Harvest Festival in grand way on Friday, 7th September 2012.
Nine days Novena and Mass in preparation for the feast along with retreat preached by visiting Priest Fr Alban D'Souza, commenced on 29th August. Through his powerful preaching filled with conviction, Fr Alban attracted a large congregation who experienced a rich harvest of spiritual blessings and healing.
The Feast Mass on Friday was attended by around 2,000 faithful. The service commenced at 10.00 am at the outdoor stage, with blessing of new paddy by Fr Alban along with parish priest, Fr Uldarico Camus, assistant priests Fr. Freddy D'Souza, and Fr. Antony D’Mello along with Bishop Camilo Balin, who wished the entire congregation.
This was followed by floral offerings to Blessed Infant Mary by the children to the singing of traditional hymns Moriek Hogolsiam and Sokkod Sangatha Meliam.
A grand procession led the congregation to the Sacred Heart Church where the solemn Feast Mass was held and was concelebrated by Fr. Alban, Fr Uldarico Camus, Fr. Freddy D'Souza and Fr. Antony D’Mello.
Fr Alban in his homily, highlighted the importance of unity and affection in the family. For the large congregation, it was indeed a spirit filled experience.
The choir organized by Freddy D'Souza made the Eucharistic celebration more meaningful and solemn. Fr Alban was felicitated with a bouquet of flowers. The congregation was then served with traditional roce mixed with newly blessed paddy and refreshments.
A short cultural programme was then held in the Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium which began with an invocation dance by Rencila Fernandes and Jovita D'Silva, The Priests and the Carmelite Sisters were then invited on stage for the cutting of the cake.
After the address by Fr. Antony D’Mello, Spiritual director of Konkany Community, a felicitation program was conducted by Freddy D’Souza to honour Mr. Clifford Correia, for his outstanding service to the Indian Community in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
A hilarious comedy skit followed called “Aasticho Vanto” written and directed by Stany D’Souza Paladka, enacted by Hilary Tellis, Sujay Pinto, George Menezes, Nirmala Fernandes and Stany D'Souza. The Konkani Choir members rendered a melodious song “Noven jeevan” followed by a folk dance by Rencila, Evita, Hensil, Michelle, Grace and Larissa; This was followed by a solo “ Bahraingarachi Avoi” by Menino Fernandes.
Konkani community coordinator Henry Castelino proposed the vote of thanks. A raffle draw was held and the prizes for these were donated by well wishers. Bombay Central restaurant catered a sumptuous vegetarian meal. The costs of the event were covered through support from various benefactors who donated whole heartedly and extended their support as truly one united family.
Santosh Danty and John D’Souza compered the event.