Report: Jerry Moras

Pics: Ronald D’Souza

Canada, Oct 5: Over 150 South Asian and specially Mangalorean origin people living in Calgary celebrated the much-loved event 'Nativity – Monthi Fest' on September 8 at St Thomas More Church, NE, Calgary, Alberta.

The main celebrant for the mas was Fr Roshan Pinto, assistant pastor of St Thomas More and other priests who concelebrated mass were Fr John Pinto, main pastor of St Thomas More and Fr Mario OCD, Superior, Mount Carmel Spirituality Centre, Edmonton, AB.

Venisha Roshni welcomed church gathering and announced central theme of the liturgy “Birth of Mary is the happiness of Christian life”. During the homily by Fr John Pinto commenting on the readings of the Sunday chalk fed to be proclaimers of the Good News. He brought in the example of Mary’s enthusiasm in sharing the good news to her cousin, Elizabeth. He invited congregation to be faithful disciples and proclaimers.

Choir was led by Jerry Rodrigues and Fr Roshan Pinto to the solemnity of the occasion. Piano was played by Susan Correa joined by many choir members of Mangalurean community.

As per tradition, after the mass the crowd followed to the parish hall with Mother Mary’s statue in procession. Children and adults offered flowers to Mary. Marian songs, Sokkod Sagatha Melya and Moreyek Hoggulsia was sung for Mother Mary.

Immediately after mass Fr John Pinto blessed harvest or Novem (vorn) followed by non-stop entertainments by Calgary Konkons.

The master of ceremony of the day was Niyloa they welcomed everyone.

Rezni Dsouza thanked everyone for all thoroughly enjoyed the food and are having a great time.

The dance floor was open till 11.30 pm to enjoy the night and the programme wound down with Konkani masala dance. The event was a successful one, under the guidance and direction of Fr John Pinto.