Doha: Feast of Nativity Celebrated with Religious Fervour


Report: Gladson D ‘Almeida
Pics: Alexis Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha

Doha, Sep 9: The Konkani-Speaking Community of the Catholic Church of Our Lady of Rosary here gathered in big numbers,  raising their voices in unison in praising the Almighty for the gift of Blessed Virgin Mary to the mankind on Thursday September 8, 2011 evening.

The Konkani speaking community had prepared for the nativity through novena for the 9 days which were led by Fr V J Menezes OFM Cap.

The solemn Eucharistic mass was celebrated by Fr V J Menezes while Fr Anand Castelino, the spiritual director of the Doha Konkani Speaking Community concelebrated the Eucharist.The theme of the day was ‘Monti Fest Prakratichi Porob, Amchi Sanskriti (Nativity, the feast of the nature, our culture).  In his homily he stressed the need of accepting the Blessed Virgin Mary as mother, guide and caretaker of the Christian families. “Further this feast of nativity is the feast of family that connects us well with our roots and traditions.

The Monti Fest which originated at Monte Mariano friary at Farangipet near Bantwal in Dakshina Kannada district has today crossed borders and is being celebrated across the globe by the Mangalorean community. This is perhaps the only feast which has still retained its originality and connects very much with our surroundings. Hence it is very much related with our mother tongue Konkani and to our Mohter Nature too. Therefore we all are bound to pass on the rich heritage of Konkani language to our next generation through our words and deeds,” he exhorted.













































The Konkani Committee members of the Konkani Speaking Community were the patrons of the nativity celebrations. The president Veena Rebimbus Pais, members Riana Pinto, treasurer Gill Cardoza,  Effy Fernandes, Prakash Noronha, Alexis Castelino, John D’Sa, Alvo H Dias, Jao Camilo Gaunkar and Vivian D’Souza have played an important role not only in making day’s celebrations memorable one but have also been instrumental in assisting the spiritual director in the smooth conducting of the 9-day novena.

A melodious Mangalorean choir was the highlight of the evening celebrations which helped the devotees to participate in the Eucharistic celebrations in a more meaningful way. Even during the nine-day novena, Goan choir, Children’s choir and the Mangalorean choir took turns in leading the choir each day.

Though it was a working day, the Konkani speaking devotees hailing from Goa, Mangalore and even Mumbai thronged in large numbers and took part in the celebrations with devotion and religious fervour. After the mass the devotees were treated with snacks and juices. The ‘Novem Jevann’ of the community will be held on Friday September 9 evening.

Earlier the 9-day novena concluded on Wednesday September 7 evening with procession around the church premises. Gerald D’Mello was the sponsor of the ninth day of the novena. Along with this the generous contributors also sponsored the each day of novena, helping the children in getting the flowers to offer to Mother Mary, joining hands in arranging light snacks for the children on each day of the novena.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Ronald, Mangalore/Mumbai

    Tue, Sep 13 2011

    Happy Monthi Fest to one and all and I am thrilled seeing this Church of Qatar. I think this is one of the best Churches. I belong to Mira Road,St. Joseph's parish.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Alban D Souza, Udyavara Mumbai Doha Qatar

    Fri, Sep 09 2011

    Happy Monti feast to all ! It is nice to see Guest Priest Fr. V.J. Menezes a good pracher and Musician and writer, during the solemn Mass celebrations Thank you Fr. Menezes wish you all the best.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • RTN MICHAEL MATHIAS SHIRVA ROTARY, PILAR SHIRVA

    Fri, Sep 09 2011

    Wish u all happy nativity feast

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse


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