Canada: Ottawa Kanara Konkans Celebrate Annual Montifest

Media Release
 
Sep 14: The Ottawa Kanara Konkans celebrated their annual traditional Montifest on the 11th of September this year.  The organization had a gathering at St. Theresa’s parish in downtown Ottawa.  The celebration was inaugurated with the Holy Eucharistic Celebration by Father Vincent Pereira, JCD, (Judicial Vicar), including a variety of Konkanni hymns.   The Mass was followed by a children processing with flowers to venerate Mother Mary.   During the procession “Sakkad Sangatha Melayan” was sung by all with one voice.   After the procession, a potluck dinner of various dishes was served -- an evening filled with fun and games. 

The event also marked with the election of the new office bearers to Ottawa Kanara Konkans Community.   Father Pereira explaining the importance of the offices with a touch of democracy, led the elections while thanking the outgoing office bearers: Neville D’Cunha - President, Oliver Mendonca - Treasurer and Violet Goveas - Event Organizer.   He welcomed the new officers: Clifford D’Sa, President, Patrono Rodrigues, Treasurer and Rehanna Goveas, Event Organizer.    And their term will be for two years.  All members of the community congratulated them and promised to extend their support.
 
The Ottawa Kanara Konkans also took the opportunity to wish Father Pereira an early happy 60th birthday and wished him a bon voyage to Rome for a further refresher studies.     Birthday cake was cut and a wonderful time was had by all who attended the event.