Report by Sushma Gail Patrao
Photos : Jonathan Dsilva
Toronto, Sep 20: The day, September 10 dawned bright and sunny, it was the day the Konkan Organization of Toronto (KOT) celebrated the Nativity of Our Blessed Virgin Mary, Monthi Fest. The festivities began at St Thomas the Apostle Church, Markham ON with the procession leading to the offering of flowers to Infant Mary. Children and adults brought flowers and offered them to our Lady to the tune of 'sakkad sangatha melyan' and 'moriyek hogolsiyan'. The colorful display of flowers brought back sweet memories of childhood back home in India.
The Eucharistic celebration followed led by Fr Roshan D’Souza as the main celebrant. He spoke about God’s plan in each of our lives and the fact that His plan was in place since the beginning of times. Fr Roshan gave an insight into the plan God had for Mary and Joseph, who were the parents of Jesus on earth and the careful selection of the ancestors of Jesus. Carmin Castelino, Anthony Castelino and Clementina Castelino along with Gavin Moniz on the keyboard led the congregation in singing praise to the Lord.
Marisa Fernandes welcomed the congregation and Leora D’Souza proposed a vote of thanks and invited the congregation to join in the reception in the Church Hall. The Knights of Columbus led the guard of honour.
The executive committee led by the president, Melwyn Sequeira put together a well-planned cultural programme. The emcee, Wilson D’Souza mesmerized the audience with his blend of Konkani and English compering. DJ Sylvan made it impossible for the audience to remain glued to their seats with the feet tapping music. The programme began with an introductory video of the executive committee where each member spoke about their role in the Committee and the reason, they joined the organization. Lavina Castelino, the secretary invited the guests to join the organization.
The president, Melwyn Sequeira welcomed the audience and spoke about the activities of the KOT. He recalled the days of childhood when the celebration of the feast went beyond the offering of flowers to the unity of families. He invited the audience to partake in the celebration of the feast as an extended family away from our native Motherland.
The sponsors for the event were honored with a blessed candle handed to them by Fr Roshan D’Souza. Corn that was blessed at the Eucharistic celebration was divided and mixed with coconut milk and distributed to the audience in true family style.
Mariah Fernandes, Emma Fernandes, Isabel Rodrigues and Luke Sequeira, the tiny tots of the association sang kalzaso gondo and kept the audience roaring and cheering. They were accompanied by Maskie Fernandes and Miguel Rodrigues on the guitar and trumpet. The youngsters of the association presented an orchestra with Connel Lobo on the drums, Miguel Rodrigues on the trumpet, Javier Rodrigues on the guitar, Reuben D’Souza on the keyboard lending music as Rheanne D’Souza sang some soulful numbers.
Nightingale of the organization Diana Serpes rendered some beautiful Konkani songs and this was followed by a duet from Maskie Fernandes and Myra D’Souza. The highlight of the evening was the Bollywood fusion dance by Myra and Raphael D’Souza, Claudia and Melwin Lobo and Walter and Lavina Rodrigues. The audience erupted and were on their feet tapping to the beats and cheering the dancers.
The scrumptious dinner catered by Konkan delight was followed by the presentation of a scholarship instituted by Dr Carol Castelino for a student who will join college or University in the Fall 2022. The scholarship awarded based on the students’ academic and extra-curricular achievements was presented to Connel Lobo. Games and spot prizes were conducted by the emcee and several guests left with hands full of gifts. The evening concluded with a baila session to the tune of DJ Sylvan.