Media Release

Melbourne, Oct 1: With the city under strict lockdown and curfew due to coronavirus, travel restricted to only within five km from their residence, this year’s Monthi Fest celebrations could not be held in the usual fervour and grandeur. Thus, children offering flowers to Mother Mary, attending the festive mass, savouring traditional food, variety entertainment, mingling and greeting each other, congregating in a hall was not possible due to COVID-19 social distancing rules. Nevertheless, the festivities that were held virtually under the banner of Melbourne Konkan Community (MKC) turned out to be a grand success.

On Monday September 7, families dressed in their traditional best were glued to their laptops and TVs connected to their laptops at 7.00 pm sharp as the festivities began. Anvil D’Silva, president of MKC commenced the programme by delivering his introductory remarks and prayed that Mother Mary may lead them with love and togetherness during this difficult time. "We will honour our Mother today", with these words he gave the go-ahead for the proceedings to commence.

Fr Prakash Menezes, the parish priest of Our Lady of Sacred Heart Parish, Alice Springs who is also the episcopal vicar of the southern region of the diocese of Darwin was the main celebrant. The virtual vigil service mass began by singing the evergreen hymn ‘Sakkad Sangatha Melyan, Moryeik Hogalsiya’ as the couple, Jossy Fernandes with their three children offered flowers to the statue of Infant Mother Mary in the background.

Followed by the offering of flowers to Mother Mary, with the hymn ‘Santosachin Meta Kadun,’ led by Priya Andrade and family, simultaneously reverberating in Konkani homes, the festive mass had begun. Beaming live via Zoom in real-time, Fr. Prakash stationed more than 2,200 km at his parish-based in Alice Springs, Northern Territory to Melbourne Konkans homes spread across the length and breadth of the state of Victoria, offered the mass as the faithful participated with much vigour.

Fr Prakash in his homily opined that these are difficult times, though it was not possible for us to be congregated in one place, we are still together - thanks to technology. He gave an outline of Mother Mary’s life and family, explaining how God chose her for a Saviour to be born through her. A family feast, we are celebrating he said where Mother Mary is bestowed with the highest place of honour in our culture and religion. He urged to pray for one another during these tough times and encouraged the congregation to extend a hand to those who were in dire need.

After the festive mass ended, Sharon D’Costa the MKC secretary at the outset thanked all the members who participated in the celebration. She also thanked the committee members, liturgical teams and their families making the virtual celebrations a great success. In a special way, she mentioned the doctors, nurses, health workers, frontline and essential staff for their selfless dedication during this challenging time. She congratulated all the children and teenagers who participated with enthusiasm in the MKC Talent Show and had a word of gratitude for the sponsors.

Soon thereafter, a game of Bingo followed, the Bingo tickets having been sold much before the closing date signified its popularity. The tickets were sent to the registered emails of the members concerned who was all set to crack the game. The Bingo was ably conducted by Manoj D’Silva in his unique style. Unlike yesteryears where there would be hooting and whistling to draw the attention of the conductor, this year saw people calling out ‘Bingo’ with the technology doing the rest. The winners won attractive prizes from Qualiteeth Family Dental Care and SMS Accounting Partners, with the prize for the ‘full house’ going to Osmond P Menezes.

In the run-up to the Monthi Fest, a ‘Talent Online Competition’ was conducted for the children and teens by singing, dancing and instrumental music that drew much enthusiasm. With the encouragement from their parents, the kids and teens participated in great numbers and submitted their performance videos. This was a successful initiative to showcase their hidden talents from the comfort of their homes.

The judge's Valerian Menezes and Fr Prakash Menezes had a difficult time choosing the winners.

The winners:
• Category A: Singing (group 1: age 4 to 7 years): Erin D Souza – 1st place; Kiara Fernandes – 2nd place; Declan D'Souza – 2nd place; Leron Andrade – 3rd place;
• Category A: Singing (group 2: age 8 to 14 years): Abigail D'Souza - 1st place; Andrea D'Costa – 2nd place; Melissa Monis – 3rd place;
• Category C: Singing (group 3: age 15 to 24 years): Aaliyah Mathias - 1st place;
• Category D: Dancing (group 1: age 4 to 7 years): Kiara Fernandes- 1st place; Eden Alice D'Souza – 2nd place;
• Category E: Dancing (group 2: age 8 to 14 years): Nadine D'Silva - 1st place; Angelica Menezes – 2nd place;
• Category F: Dancing (group 3: age 15 to 24 years): Lymaraina Rego - 1st place;
• Category G: Instrumental music (group 1: age 4 to 7 years): Nolan D'Silva - 1st place; Carissa Tia Menezes – 2nd place; Kiara Fernandes – 3rd place;
• Category H: Instrumental music (group 2: age 8 to 14 years): Aiden D'Souza- 1st place; Avril Vas – 2nd place; Sienna Mendonca – 3rd place;

The performance videos posted on the MKCs Facebook page drew massive appreciation and accolades.

A word of appreciation and gratitude to the sponsors: Delivery Centric – Global Resourcing Services; PC Home Makeovers – Home Décor; Resicert Building & Pest Inspections; Qualiteeth Family Dental Care- Tarniet, SMS Accounting Partners without whose support the celebrations would not have happened.

This year’s Monthi fest celebrations were unique keeping with the times, our homes turned into mini churches and our kitchens overflowing with traditional dishes. ‘May Mother May intercede on behalf of all with her son Jesus Christ and bless everyone with health, success and contentment for years to come'.

For the video of the virtual celebrations, please click here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=740914793424703&extid=bnwKj549foIQfzdf

MKC is a registered association based in Hoppers Crossing, Victoria. It welcomes Mangalurean origin Catholics residing in Melbourne/Victoria to be a part of this growing community. They are excited as their vibrant association steps into its tenth year. For new migrants, the first year membership is free. MKC committee members can be contacted by emailing mkonkanc@gmail.com or via logging into Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/MelbourneKonkanCommunity.