Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Sep 9: The Konkan Association Charitable Trust (KACT) celebrated the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Kanya Mariamma) as its 30th annual celebration with Monthi Fest-Tene Habba on Tuesday at the Vincent Pallotti Church auditorium in Marol, Andheri East.
Fr Richard D’Almeida Belman (SVD), assistant parish priest of Sacred Heart Church, Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri East, conducted the opening thanksgiving service. Remembering Mother Nature, he offered prayers and venerated Mother Mary, blessed the new paddy sheaves and bestowed blessings on the devotees. He also blessed the first harvest of the year and the traditionally prepared pure vegetarian meal served with the new paddy sheaves.
Fr Victor Martis (Mary Hill, Puttur), parish priest of St Vincent Pallotti Church, Vijaynagar, Marol, Andheri East, led the novena prayers in honour of Mother Mary.
A simple programme was held under the leadership of KACT president Leo Fernandes, Jerimeri. Fr Victor Martis, Fr Richard D’Almeida, Lawrence Coelho, editor of the Konkani weekly DiVo, and social worker Jessie D’Silva (Mahakali) were the guests. KACT vice-president Walter D’Souza Kalmadi, secretary Peter Rebeiro, treasurer Pritesh Castelino and joint secretary Vincent Castelino were also present on the dais.
On the occasion, veteran theatre artist Francis Fernandes Cassia was honoured as the chief honouree. Senior artistes Betty Nhaz Bandra, Julie Vaz Marol and Flora D’Souza Kalmadi (Jerimeri), as well as Anita and Walter D’Souza Kalmadi, were also felicitated.
The programme was attended by special invitees including Sujanha L. Coelho, Pawl Mascarenhas, entrepreneur Stanley Mathias Marol, Sunita Suares, Clody Francis Montero, James Desa Marol, Michael Montero Amboli, Lena Lasrado Marol, Joan Rodrigues and Jorge Chettiar, among others.
Pius Fernandes, Alvin Goveas, Lorna Sanktes, Stany Mathias, Prem Vaz, KACT joint treasurer Stephen Lobo and executive committee members B C Alva, Gregory Monis, Manuel P Fernandes, Anita Suares, Aida M Montero and Roshan Serao were among the many dignitaries present.
During the programme, a tribute was paid to renowned Konkani music veteran and internationally acclaimed singer ‘Sangeet Samrat’ Henry D’Souza Goregaon (Basrikatte, Koppa), social worker Harold Govias, and the departed well-wishers of KACT. A condolence tribute was offered in their memory.
KACT office-bearers honoured the guests by presenting them with bouquets. Leo Fernandes Jerimeri welcomed the gathering, while Cyril Castelino compered the programme and explained the significance of the festival. Vincent Castelino proposed the vote of thanks.
KACT members and children presented musical performances. The celebrations began with food being served to the children of Navajyothi Ashram. Later, all those gathered joined in the annual Monti Fest celebrations with a traditional meal of new rice.