Media Release
Washington, Oct 4: The feast of the Nativity of Our Lady was celebrated on Saturday, September 13 by members of the Mangalorean Catholic Association of Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The annual celebration took place at the St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Indian Head, MD, with a crowd of over 125 attendees.
The members gathered at the Indian head parish as one community with love faith and gratitude, remembering our roots, honoring our heritage, and giving thanks to our blessed mother Mary for her protection, blessings, bountiful harvest and intercessions in the lives of the faithful.
The celebration began with a graceful procession, led by Fr Brian Coelho followed by a line up carrying infant Mother Mary and new corns-Novem along with little children joyfully holding flower baskets and plates, as voices rose together in the beloved hymn ‘Sakkad Sangatha Melyan’. At the Mother Mary grotto, each child reverently placed a flower at Infant Mary’s feet – a touching scene of devotion and innocence. Then Fr Brian blessed the new corns, followed by children showering Mother Mary to the hymn ‘Moriyek Hogolsiya’. It was a beautiful sight watching the little children shower flowers to Mother Mary with pure joy and faith.
The procession then flowed into the church for the Solemn Mass, celebrated mostly in Konkani by Fr Brian Coelho, assisted by Fr Tony D'Souza at the beautifully adorned altar, vibrant with flowers and a true spirit of festivity. The liturgy came alive through the heartfelt participation of the children and members Bible reading was reverently proclaimed by Reema Andrade, followed by responsorial psalm, which was melodiously rendered by Anitha Furtado. The choir played a pivotal role in the celebration, filling the liturgy with grandeur and devotion, and their heartfelt singing elevated the solemnity of the occasion making it spiritually auspicious. The choir, under the spirited leadership of Malin and Clint with their dedicated efforts, commitment and coordination brought a mesmerizing and resounding festive joy and reverence. The choir included Clint, Malin, Evonne, Alina, Eben, Ethan, Jaden, Joshua, Prash and Anitha. Melson Martis and Dylan Lobo assisted as the altar boys, Prayer of the faithful was read by Kiara, Jake, Jack, Hazel, Eben and Sarah, Offertory prayers were read by Shanaya Fernandes.
After the Mass, vice president Neville D’Cunha delivered a meaningful and heartfelt vote of thanks wrapped with warmth, grace and humor, honoring every contribution with gratitude and appreciation. Then a group photo was captured by designated photographer of the day Ivon Lobo to add to the cherished memories.
After the group picture, everyone moved to the nearby church hall that has been beautifully decorated by the volunteer members earlier. Treasurers Stephanie and Genevieve ensured a smooth flow at the registration desk. The festive atmosphere continued with white-and-blue décor that set the place for celebration. As everyone was seated the delicious, flavored and refreshing Novem milk prepared by Harold D’Souza was served as a welcoming drink.
President Flavie Rebello welcomed everyone with a heartfelt speech, expressing gratitude, appreciation, and excitement for the festivities ahead, while also remembering in prayer Merlyn, secretary, who could not attend due to the recent loss of her brother-in-law.
After the blessing of food by Fr Brian – a banquet of sumptuous authentic and traditional Mangalorean Monthi Fest delicacies that were lovingly prepared, spread and super generously served by leading members Julia Dante and Prema D’Souza along with other MCA volunteers. The dedication and hard work of preparation of food for the attendees by a few volunteer members truly deserves a grateful appreciation. Everyone pitched in both big and small ways to make the feast so abundant.
The joy didn’t stop there! Clint’s Trivia had everyone laughing, thinking, and bonding over shared heritage. The energy carried forward into a vibrant cultural programme, bursting with talent, entertainment, and community spirit – the perfect way to crown the day’s celebrations.
Jake and Jack had stunning Violin performances, Hazel Pinto had an electrifying solo dance performance, Renita and Tiffany had a phenomenal mother-daughter dance performance. Next came a hilarious Konkani comedy skit with skilled actors - James Dante, Julia Dante and Ivon Lobo. It was absolutely brilliant; comedy treat spot on. Then came rocking and incredible group dance performance by Clint, Clement, Brian, Ethan, Joshua, Jaden, Eben, Evonne and Noah, it was truly wonderful and a powerhouse performance. Then came little boy Noah D’Cunha with a solo performance, his energy and hyped spirit attracted the crowd to dance along with him. Instantly Baila got added in and enthusiastic people stepped in to grove, perfect Mangalorean Baila dance added the cheer and fun. Then came little Abner who sang beautifully in his angelic cute little voice and innocent charm! Adorable!
And to wrap up this celebration, everyone gathered once more over steaming cups of chai, crispy samosas, and melt-in-your-mouth sheera – the perfect sweet ending to a festive day. At the end of the event, everyone left with full hearts, happy stomachs, and big smiles – the very spirit of Monthi Fest loved and celebrated to the fullest.
The event was made possible by vibrant and resolute committee members with their tireless and selfless efforts and initiatives, clergy, volunteers, sponsors, choir, cultural performers, members and every attendee making this year’s Monthi Festh a true celebration of faith, culture, and a joyful community celebration.