"The Mangalorean Catholic community of Pune under the aegis of The Mangalorean Catholic Association, Pune, gathered in large numbers tocelebrate Our Blesssed Mother's Nativity feast (Monhi Fest) on , September 14, 2014 at Christ the King Church , Sainikwadi, Pune on Sunday, September 14, 2014. Programme started with the Novena and Showering of 'Flowers' to Infant Mary at Mother Mary's grotto of the church at 10.15 am. Then the crowd moved into the church in a procession singing traditional hymns to Our Lady.
The packed church reverberated to the hymns and praises of the congregation, and to the lilting choir and music led by MCA members, SVD & DNC brothers. Fr. Gracian Carlo SJ, Director NVSC and Spiritual Director of MCA was the main celebrant. Fr. Lancy D’ Silva (the parish priest), Fr. Henry Almeida SJ, Fr. Ivan D’Souza, Fr. Bonifus Pinto, Fr. Edwin and Fr. Richard Mathias, SVD concelebrated the mass. Mrs. Edna Rodricks , Secretary thanked the clergy and the congregation for their devout participation in the Eucharistic service. Fr. Bonifus Pinto moved the whole congregation with his inspiring homily on Family Life in today’s scenario.
Entire Liturgy was organized by Edna Rodricks and Jyothi Monteiro. After the mass the cultural programme was organised at "Bishop Dabre Hall" of the church. The blessed paddy corn was distributed among the people. Snacks and soft drinks were served.
Mr. V.P. Lobo, T3 Urban Developers Ltd. was the Chief Guest at the cultural programme that followed. Our President Mr. Ronald Sequeira
welcomed the gathering. Mrs. Jyoti and Mr. Michael Pereira in a traditional attire offered “Panpod ani Udak” to the guests. And then the Guests of Honour were taken in a procession with the vibrant tunes of brass band. The programme was declared open by lighting of the lamp by the guests.
A fabulous cultural programe was organised by the members. Stephie Rodrigues and Roshny D'Souza initiated the programme with their prayer dance. Little kids namely Kenitia Pais- Chris Lobo, Ian D'Souza-Andrea Vas, Glenn fernandes-Iona D'Souza, Nialle Sequeira-Ira D’Souza presented a dance to the tunes of Tallak Metam song. Shirandharincho Pavs was presented by kids of PCMC area, Berryl D'Souza, Noella D'silva, Deann Borges, Melita Pereira, Melvan Pereira, Delna Pereira, Meghna Pereira. Jovia Karmokar danced to the tune of Whistle Maar. A comedy skit, Kazarachi Novi Dotorn directed by Pravin Pinto was enacted by the Benjamin Mathias, Bro. Roshan D'Souza SVD, Bro. Stany Pereira, SVD, Jerson Vas and Marita D'Souza.
The managing Committee and leaders Area leaders were successful in mobilising around 600 Mangaloreans from different parts of Pune.
Fr. Gracian Carlo said grace before meals. Judy Menezes and Stephen Lobo beautifully anchored the programme and gave vote of thanks. The programme ended with the traditional "Lavdate Domunum" Latin hymn.
The programme ended with a fellowship vegetarian meal prepared according to Mangalorean cuisine, and also distribution of sugarcane - a symbol of harvest, the same symbol the festival of ‘Monti Fest’ stands for.