KONKAN TARAM - Konkani Association of St.Jude’s Parish, Jerimeri, Mumbai, is well known for Konkani Cultural, Liturgical and Social activities in Mumbai for past 24 years. The birth of this association took place during the Monti Fest and hence they celebrate Monti Fest every year along with the anniversary of their association.

This year they celebrated MONTI FEST (Birth of Mother Mary) at St.Jude Parish on Sunday, 14th September at 7.00 a.m. The fest began with a procession of ‘Maria Bambina’ (Ballok Mari) statue from the School ground to Church Hall.

The corns (Novem) was blessed by Fr. Lancy Pinto, Parish Priest . More than 300 Parish children carried flowers for Mother Mary and offered the same according to Mangalorean tradition with the traditional hymns like “SOKKAD SANGATA MELYAM & MORIEK HOGOLLSIAM”

Fr. Lancy Pinto gave a heart touching sermon, he said we have to offer first fruit to the Lord (Tithes). We should always grateful and thankful to the Lord that he has given many gifts not only our life but wonderful creation like beautiful family, daily bread. Even in suffering & pain, we must pray to Jesus as suffering & pains are leading very close to Jesus. He gave an example that one day he visited one patient in the hospital and this patient was breathing only by the help of 3 Oxygen cylinders per day which costs Rs.2100/- but a normal person getting oxygen free of cost, need not pay anything. At the beginning and end of the day we must thank and pray to the Lord for all his shower of blessings. Fr. Lancy also congratulated all the girls as this day was also celebrated as “GIRL CHILD DAY” and said that keeping equality among boys & girls is important.

Melodious singing was presented by the Konkani Choir Group consist of Joseph, Leo, Melonie, Jessie, Mercin, Juliana, Maggi, Trizza, Gracy & Irene under the leadership of Mr. John Mascarenhas.

The readings, prayers and all liturgical parts were arranged by Mumbai educated small children Cheryl, Glencita, Magnus, Alicia, Rechel, Jenecia, Joswin, Levin & Princia trained by Flora D’souza. Fr. Lancy congratulated all the Children who has participated and urged each one to respect our mother tongue and keep the spirit of konkani ‘alive’.

During felicitation programme, S.S.C. Toppers who scored 70% & above – Elsie, Anslem, Catherin, Viola, Jelita, Gayatri, Agnel, Calvin, Rechel, Xavier were honoured with gift vouchers (sponsored by Mr. George Furtado) and a certificate of appreciation from KONKAN TARAM.

On behalf of Konkan Taram young girls Jovila, Neslin, Joylene, Sweety, Renita & Remita, honoured Fr. Lancy, Fr. Maxwell (Principal), Fr. Gabriel, Sr. Seema, Br. Godfrey & Br. Oswin. OLD IS GOLD - Mr. Lawrence D’souza Konkani Activist, Senior Citizen and also KT Member who is sick and could not attend the mass, KT felicitated him for his dedicated service and commitment in liturgy/Alter preparation on every Sundays. KT’s Litturgy Secretary Mr. Joseph D’souza was also honoured with flower bouquet. Special honour and a gift was presented by president Mr. John Veigas to the Secretary of the association Mrs. Flora D’Souza for her highest collection from the day one of this association and also arranging corns, sweets, books and also training the little kids in Konkani reading, singing and skit every year. Juliana & Monica were also honoured for their 2nd & 3rd position in fund collection. Treasurer of the association John Mascarenhas thanked all the donors, Priests, well wishers & KT Members for their support & cooperation. Fr. Lancy honoured John Mascarenhas for over all feast arrangement and conducting Choir.

Different parts of Stage Programme was compeered by Mrs. Flora, John Veigas, John Mascarenhas & Joseph D’souza.

Sugar Cane, Snacks, Sweets, corns were distributed to all parishioners and the Note Books to children.

Traditional ‘Novem Jevonn’ held in the evening. Velinta Sequeira welcomed the gathering with traditional Pan-phod, Udok. Small children Alisha, Anaia, Magnus, Alister, Rositta, Ria, Noel, Joywin, Joswin, Levin, Lerron, Jackson, William, Robin, Revin, Joswin, Christal, Cheryl, Princia, Jenecia & Richel trained by Flora sang “MARIA MAI KURPECHI & KUPANT DEVON AYLIY MAYE” melodiously and also presented a Joke “IKRA-BARA, MERCIN MAUSHECHO GHOV NA GHARA”. Another joke presented by Flora & Baptist John Dsouza. Entertainment programme conducted by Flora D’Souza.

President John Veigas thanked all the 52 members who are working hand-in-hand for the wellness of this organization and also all the Priests, Sisters & parishioners for their whole hearted support and co-operation.

“ELIAS Caterers” served delicious food on Banana Leaves. This grand celebration ended with “LAUDATE”.

John Veigas, D’souza Nagar, Jerimeri