Media Release

Abu Dhabi, Sep 17: Konkani Community of St Mary's Catholic Church Al Ain, celebrated Monti fest 2019 on September 6 with a great joy.

The celebration began with blessing of new crop, near mother Mary's Grotto by Fr Derick D'Souza OFM Cap (St Joseph's Cathedral, Abu Dhabi), followed by showering of flowers with hymns (Sakkod Sangatha Mellya) glorifying and honouring mother Mary. All children offered flowers to mother Mary in the traditional way.

After that, as a traditional Mangalurean style, the paddy, was brought to the altar in procession. A large number of devotees took part in the solemn Eucharist. The main celebrant of the mass was Fr Derick D'Souza OFM Cap. During the mass, as per tradition, blessed new harvest was placed on the altar. Young children and adults offered fruits, vegetables and other offertory during the offertory procession. A melodious choir by Clara and group was the highlight of the festal celebrations. As the mass concluded by Fr Stalin Varghese OFM Cap, parish priest of Al Ain Church wished all Konkani speaking parishioners for organizing this feast.

The celebration ended with vegetarian 'Novem Jevann' served too all the devotees. Committee of the Konkani Speaking Community took the lead in organizing the feast celebrations.