Pics: Savious Crasta
Doha, Sep 15: Konkani Speaking Community (KSC) celebrated Monthi Fest at Our Lady of Rosary parish, here on Friday evening, September 5, in traditional Mangalorean style.
The festal celebrations were preceded by 9-day novenas beginning from August 27. Guest priest Fr Manohar D’Souza OFM Cap-India took the congregation on a spiritual journey during these 9-day novenas with his powerful and touching reflections on Word of God and with Mary to Jesus theme.
In preparation for Novena a one-day Konkani retreat was conducted on August 22 at Seraphic Hall.
A melodious Mangalorean Konkani choir by St Cecilia’s choir group and Good Shepherd choir group were highlights of the nine days Novenas celebration. One day celebrated with Children choir which added aroma to the novena.
Fr Manohar D’Souza OFM cap India and Fr Rosario Colaco OFM Cap Qatar, spiritual director of KSC-Doha concelebrated festal Eucharistic celebration and delivered festal message to the congregation.
New paddy sheaves were brought back from Mangalore was blessed and distributed to the congregation after festal Eucharistic.
After the Mass, a cultural programme began at Our Lady of Arabia Hall. Speaking on the occasion, KSC president Aloysius D’Souza welcomed the gathering. Visiting priest Fr Manohar D’Souza was chief guest of the evening. Fr Rosario and the chief guest were escorted to the stage by KSC president. Fr Manohar D’Souza has been felicitated with shawl for his 9 days Novena and spiritual service.
H E Bishop Aldo Berardi, O SS T and parish priest Fr Paulraj Devaraj OFM CAP had graced the occasions as guest of honour. Bishop and parish priest address the devotees and given monthi feast wishes.
The feast novena sponsors were honoured with blessed candles by the chief guest. Feast muddhom couple Mateus Alexio Trindade & Maria louretty fernandes had felicitated for their service to KSC and bid a sendoff during the occasion.
The cultural programme has begun with dance number from Celesta Grace Noronha, Gianna D’Souza, Elaine Fernandes, Ethan Louie Tauro, Maverick Norbert Mascarenhas, Nicole Crasta, Siona Angel D'Silva, Pearl D'Lima, Dionna Britto, Vivel Deon Sequira entertained the audience fully. The dance was choreographed by Derrick Crasta.
Like a cherry on the cake, the sizzling dance by ‘Doha Dance Squad’ entertains the audience, the dance was made by Shown Fernandes, Joylyn Lobo, Raison Ferrao, Christle Pinto, Sean Fernandes, Jostna D’Souza, Wilma D’Souza and Glen Rohan D'Sa. The dance was choreographed by Vijaya D’Souza.
The Goan retro dance from Sebastine Mascarenhas and Carol Gonsalves made audience cheer up throughout the performance.
The live band performed by Susegad Souq Team made the audience dance on the floor. The live band Troup included Raul Miranda & Noah Sequeira in drums, Leah Miranda & Leah Fernandes in guitar, Hannah Dias in base guitar, Melvic Mascarenhas in keyboard Avlon Rosario in vocal singer, Ashorah Vaz in vocal singer, Mario Dcosta in guitar, Kiran Dias in guitar, Steve Fernandes in keyboard and Vicente Da Costa in vocal singer.
The evening programme ended with sumptuous dinner in Mangaluru Monthi Fest traditional style. KSC committee member Luann Rachel Gomes proposed the vote of thanks and Anil D’Souza compered the full cultural event.