Nativity Feast : St Joseph' Parish Abu Dhabi - UAE
Report and Pictures by Oswald M.  D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, Sep 10: Konkani Community of St. Joseph’ Parish Abu Dhabi celebrated the Feast of Nativity (Monthi fest) solemnly with traditional fervor and gaiety at the St Joseph’s Cathedral premises on Thursday, September 9, 2010 evening.

The outdoor ceremony commenced with little children and teenagers showering colourful flowers to  show their love and affection towards infant Mary.  The impressive scene was eye catching with little kids thronging around the graceful statue of Infant Mother Mary, near the church grotto, excitedly participating in the stunning ceremony singing the traditional “Sakkad Sangatha Melyam ani Mariyek Hogolsiam”, which echoed the church premises, the rhythm filling the air creating a blessed ambience.

The devotees braved hot and humid weather and gathered in large numbers in the church premises.  The new corn (Novem), specially flown all the way from Mangalore for the occasion was blessed signifying the new harvest.

Later a short procession was taken around the church compound, carrying the decorated statue of Infant Mary bedecked with flowers.

The Mass was offered in Konkani inside the Cathedral by Fr. Anthony Lopez – spiritual Director of KCO and of other Konkani groups of the parish to a full capacity crowd. In his Homily Fr. Lopez stressed the meaning of the nativity of Mother Mary and its significance,  the feast which  close to the hearts of the Konkani community of Mangalore, Goa and the populace of Konkan belt. 

Due to the massive crowd, wide CCTV screens were installed in strategic locations in the church hall, as well as outside, so that all the devotees could witness  and participate in the solemn ceremony.

As the symbol of new harvest, fresh fruits, flowers and vegetables were offered during the Mass by young children.

The Konkani Choir, with melodious hymns specially arranged and conducted for the occasion under the leadership of Lena Fernandes, along with the talented singers of the parish was laudable and elevated the spirit of the occasion.

Earlier Bishop’s Secretary read out the message from H.E. Bishop Paul Hinder – Vicar Apostolic of Arabia on the occasion of Nativity Feast, followed by Rev. Fr. Savarimuthu – the Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Church appreciated and thanked  the Konkani Community for their enthusiasm and outstanding services towards the parish and lauded the devotion of the community towards Mother Mary.

KCO’s current president Gerald D’Mello thanked those contributed towards the day’s function and appreciated the help of all those volunteered towards the ceremony, specially members of KCO, the choir and other Konkani groups as well as the untiring dedicated ushers of the parish.

The blessed new corn (Novem) was distributed to all devotees after the Mass.

As per K.C.O.’s tradition, light refreshments were served to all the attendees, symbolizing the spirit of unity and sharing among families on this special occasion.  The celebration relived the memories of back home, wherein families join in and have a meal together.

It can be recalled that the nativity feast in Konkani was initiated by KCO (Konkani Cultural Organization) almost 16 years ago and has become a permanent fixture every year and KCO’s efforts in uniting people of the community is appreciated by all.

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