Media Release
Photo courtesy: Wenster Lobo
Brampton, Sep 10: On Saturday, September 6, 2025, the Konkani Catholics of Brampton (KCOB) gathered with devotion and joy at the Queen of Peace Church, Norval, to celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Mother Mary during Monthi Fest.
The celebration began with a solemn Feast Mass in Konkani at 3:00 pm, led by Fr Henry Alva, Fr Ranjan D’Sa, Fr Andrew Lewis, Fr Rajesh D’Souza, and Deacon Ferdinand D’Souza. Arun Mendes delivered the welcome address, setting a warm tone for the evening. The choir, led by Priya Fernandez and supported by Brian and Joanne D’Souza, Lara and Paul Rebello, Max and Nancy Mendes, Walty and Nancy Lobo, Ingrid Pereira, and Veena D’Costa, filled the church with melodious hymns. Musicians Bosco DeSouza on bass guitar, Johnny D’Souza on guitar, and Richie D’Souza on drums accompanied the choir.
Nancy Lobo delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the priests, choir, lectors, altar servers, volunteers, and congregation for their contributions and presence. After the Mass, the faithful joined in a procession to the sprawling church lawn, where flowers were offered to Mother Mary as children sang “Moriek Hogolsiya.” Goodie bags were distributed to all children as a special treat.
Cultural program and festive traditions
Guests then moved to the hall for the cultural celebrations. The evening began with a procession of children carrying the statue of Baby Mother Mary, while the choir sang “Ophir Bangara.” Committee member Oreen Pereira welcomed the gathering and invited the priests, sponsors, and committee members forward to bless the Novem drink and the fresh harvest. The Novem drink, prepared by Ingrid Pereira, was then shared with all, along with the blessed candles.
The MCs, Alphons D’Souza of the movie Ek Aslyar Ek Na and the young Abigail Peres, conducted the event with grace and eloquence.
The cultural program featured a vibrant lineup of performances:
• Babita D’Costa sang the Konkani evergreen Mogan Asum Bore, encouraging the audience to join in celebration through dance.
• Nancy Lobo engaged the children with fun games, awarding prizes to the winners.
• A comedy skit by Nancy Mendes and Alphons D’Souza entertained the audience with humor.
• Sisters Abigail and Allison Peres performed a graceful dance.
• Romeo Barbosa sang The Way You Look Tonight.
• Adelyn Mathias presented a lively dance mashup.
• Glen Saldanha, Fabina D’Souza, and Anushka Saldanha performed a Bollywood dance mashup, earning applause from the audience.
• After dinner, Brian D’Souza presented a medley, accompanied by Johnny and Bosco DeSouza on guitar and Richie D’Souza on drums.
A highlight of the evening was the felicitation ceremony. Nancy Mendes introduced the Community Champion Award recipient, Ancila Lobo, owner of Ancila’s Indian Cuisine in Mississauga. Ancila has impacted thousands of lives through her mission of feeding and supporting the homeless and underprivileged across the GTA. What began in 2012 with 50 meals has grown into a movement serving over 800 people each month, providing nourishment as well as dignity and hope. Her selfless service, even during the pandemic, has inspired many and built a legacy of kindness. The award was presented by Max Mendes, with a bouquet by Ingrid Pereira.
Another moment of pride was the recognition of Aaron Reeve Mendes, the youngest Chess International Master from the community. He was introduced by Mavy Pereira, and the award was presented by Fr Ranjan D’Sa. All committee members joined on stage to honor both recipients.
Fellowship, food and festivities
The evening also featured an address by Nelson D’Costa, chairman of Canadian Canara Vision Inc (CCVI), on planning for life’s journey and supporting CCVI’s initiatives. He invited the gathering to attend the All Souls Day prayer service on November 2 and the charity dinner dance on November 8.
Fr Henry Alva then led the gathering in grace before meals. The September birthday celebrants cut a cake sponsored by pastry chef Swati Coutinho. Dinner was catered by the Konkan Delite team and served by volunteers.
The night continued with door prizes, email draws, 50/50 raffles, and spot prizes. DJ Glen later energized the dance floor with Bollywood and English hits, bringing the event to a joyful conclusion.
The event’s memorable moments were captured by Wenster Lobo’s photography.
Sincere gratitude
The event was supported by the generosity of sponsors and donors.
Sponsors
• Raj Lal – California Awning & Canopy Sales Inc.
• Nancy and Max Mendes – Max Mendes Group
• Jack and Ophelia Barbosa – Green PI Inc. & Barbosa Group of Companies
• Priya Fernandez – The Mustard Niche Inc.
• Vijay Sharma – Avenue Opticals
• Arun Mendes – Reliable Lawyers
• Louiza and Nelson D’Cruz – South Street Burger
• Stan and Rosa Goveas – Rock of Colors
• Ravi Fernandes – Trinity Auto
• Dr Pethaperumal Kannan – Kannan Dental Centre
• Flavian Pinto – Sun Life Financial
• Rajesh Shivji – Shiva Group
• Dinesh Manimaran, Arul Velappan, Aravind Ramesh – Fish to Fish
• Hemant JR – Century Travel
• Rony and Dorothy Rego – RK Import
Donors and gift sponsors
• Tony and Anita Dewan
• Nelson D’Costa and family
• Albert Soosay and family
• Mavy and Ingrid Pereira
• Walty and Nancy Lobo
• Lawrence and Leena D’Souza
• Anita and Jerry Moraes
The 2025 KCOB Monthi Fest embodied a blend of faith, tradition, music, dance, and fellowship—a reflection of Mangalorean Konkani culture and devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kcobcanada
Email: kcobcanada@gmail.com