Pics: Ronald D'Souza

Al Ain, Sep 11: With great joy, the Konkani community of St Mary’s Catholic Church, Al Ain, celebrated Monti fest on September 7.

The celebration began with blessing of new crop, near Mother Mary’s grotto by Fr Maxim Cardoza, assistant parish priest of Jebel Ali Church and Fr Stalin Varghese, parish priest of Al Ain Church, followed by showering of flowers to the hymn ‘Sakkod Sangatha Mellya’, glorifying and honoring Mother Mary.

All the children offered flowers to Mother Mary in the traditional way.

Thereafter, paddy was brought to the altar in procession. A large number of devotees took part in the solemn eucharist.

The main celebrant of the mass was Fr Maxim Cardoza.

During the mass, as per tradition, the new harvest was blessed and placed in front of the altar. Young children and adults offered fruits, vegetables and other offertory to God with a grateful heart. A melodious choir by Clara and group was the highlight of the festal celebrations.

As the mass concluded, Fr Stalin Varghese acknowledged all Konkani speaking parishioners for organizing the feast.

The celebration ended with vegetarian ‘Novem Jevann’ served to all the devotees.

The committee of the Konkani speaking community took the lead in organizing the whole celebration.