Media Release
Sydney, Sep 16: Under the auspices of the Mangalorean Catholic Association of Sydney (MCAS), a large number of Mangalorean Sydneysiders and their friends celebrated Monti Fest on Saturday 10 September at the Harrington Hall, Our Lady of Dolours Parish, Chatswood. Fr Paul Finucane, Parish Priest, Our Lady of Dolours Parish, Chatswood and Fr Aloysius Gonsalves, SJ from Bassein, Mumbai concelebrated the holy mass.
Matt Kean, MP, NSW Parliament who was representing Victor Dominello, Minister for Citizenship and Communities attended the mass service. Dr Yadu Singh, President ‘The Council of Indian Australians Inc.’ a peak body of the Indian community also attended the celebrations.
The celebrations commenced in the Harrington Hall with the introduction by the two MCs Freddie Pereira and Ajith Lobo. Children showered flowers on Mother Mary’s statue, the tradition that is still followed all over the world. Many attendees joined in the singing of the traditional hymn Sakkad Sangatha Melaon. The statue was decorated with traditional sugar cane, palm leaves and flowers.
The blessing of the ‘roce’ with the new harvest (Novem) by performed by Fr Paul and FrAloysius. All the attendees lined up in a procession to partake the ‘roce’ with the novem.
Freddie introduced MCAS president Stanley D’Cruz. Stanley welcomed the large gathering of members and families and visiting parents. He spoke as how the Nativity Feast forms a strong bond for Mangaloreans in all parts of the world and as how they look forward to celebrate this occasion with family and friends. He thanked members for their past support and urged them to contribute for the further progress of MCAS. Stanley also stated that MCAS has started to participate in the local
Indian community activities and in the recent India Day Fair organized by the Council of Indian Australians in Sydney. Stanley concluded by quoting Dr. Abdus Kalam former president of India, who addressed Indians in Sydney recently, “Build a strong family, strong community, a strong nation and then on to a strong world”.
Stanley then introduced Matt Kean MP. Matt said he was impressed by the contribution made by Mangalorean catholics to Sydney and NSW. He stated that he would provide any appropriate support necessary for the progress of MCAS and the community in general. Matt concluded by thanking Stanley and the MCAS committee members for their hard work and dedication in developing the
association to the present state.
Entertainment followed soon after, and this was superbly complimented by music played by Alex D’Souza. The highlight of the celebrations was the enactment of two short skits, first one a silent one and the second a comedy. The silent kit was acted by Steven D’Souza, Sean Pereira, Ajith Lobo and Richard Lobo. Joylene Moras, Felix Pais and Richard Lobo acted in comedy skit. Both the skits were appreciated by the attendees and were full of laughter and fun. Savio Paes played music for
both the skits.
A talent contest was organized for children. A variety of talents were exhibited and much applauded by the attendees. Coleen Tauro and friends performed an exciting Bollywood dance.
Authentic Mangalorean cuisine buffet dinner was then served. Various members of the association cooked this delicious food. The menu consisted of baffat pork, chicken curry, sannas, pulao rice, sprouted moong, beans, karamb, boblem, channe, assorted pickles, karakaddies and vorne.
Music continued and the members kept dancing on the floor enjoying themselves. There was a lively spirited and fun filled environment. The crowd was entertained with Konkani baila and other music. Other activities included a raffle draw.
Social Secretary Freddie Pereira then proposed the Vote of Thanks; he thanked each and everyone who made this event a great success. He also thanked all the volunteers who cooked the sumptuous food.
Overall the MCAS Nativity Feast celebration was an outstanding success, and we sincerely thank MCAS members and their friends for their attendance and patronage.