Freddy D’Souza

Pics: Edwin D’Souza

Bahrain, Sep 9: Sacred Heart Church Bahrain's Konkani Catholic Community celebrated Monthi Fest, in grand way on Friday September 5.

Nine days Novena and mass in preparation for the feast along with retreat preached by visiting priest Fr Naveen Santosh, commenced on August 27. Throughout his preaching, Fr Naveen spoke about the virtues of Mother Mary and the role she plays in our lives as our spiritual mother and a model. The large congregation attended the Novena and mass with great enthusiasm. It was indeed great to see hundreds of children and tiny tots offering flowers to Infant Mary.

The feast Mass on Friday September 5 was attended by more than two thousand faithful. The service commenced at 10.00 am at the outdoor stage, with blessing of new corn by Fr Naveen, along with parish priest Fr Uldarico Camus and assistant priests Fr Freddy D'Souza and Fr Francisco. 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 concelebrated by Fr Naveen along with parish priest, Fr Uldarico Camus, assistant priests Fr Freddy D'Souza, Fr Francisco. Fr Naveen was overwhelmed with the huge number of faithful and the vibrancy and the enthusiasm of the congregation in this part of the world.

The choir organized by Freddy D'Souza was well appreciated and helped the congregation participate in the celebration meaningfully. Spiritual Director of the Konkani Community Fr Freddy thanked all those involved in organizing the Novena and feast services. At the end of the feast Mass, the congregation was 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 the youngsters Jovita D’Silva, Evita Castelino, Ashel Castelino and Clarina D’Costa which was choreographed by Rencilla Fernandes. The priests and the Carmelite Sisters along with Konkani Community Coordinator Freddy D’Souza were then invited on stage for the cutting of the cake. Fr Freddy D’Souza gave a brief address.

This was followed by a entertaining skit called 'Monti Fest' written by Navin Mendonca, Belle and directed by Stany D’Souza, Paladka performed by Navin Mendonca, Alfrida Castelino, Nirmala Fernandes, Joveel Mendonca, Ivan Vijay D’Souza, Sujay Pinto, Hilary Tellis, George Menezes, Ashok Nazareth, Maxim D’souza & Stany D’Souza. The Konkani Choir members sang the melodious song 'Dev Boro Dis Dinv.'

Another skit 'Mog Koin Chuklo,' written and directed by Jr Luis Anthony, performed by Jr Louis Anthony, Agnelo, Meena, Norita, Ivan Travon, Peter Fernandes and Baba Aaron followed. The cultural event concluded with a fusion dance by Ajay, Diora, Anu, Davina, Roshan and Evita, which was jointly choreographed by Ajay and Diora.

Konkani Community Coordinator Freddy D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks. A raffle draw was held and the prizes for these were donated by the community coordinators and well wishers. Green Capsicum 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 community.

Hilary Tellis and John D’Souza compered the event.