Fr Andrew Lewis honored for 50 years of priestly service at KCOB's 11th annual Monthi fest in Canada


Pics: Wenster Lobo

Report: Nancy Mendes

Canada, Sep 5: The Konkani Catholics of Brampton (KCOB) hosted a memorable 11th Annual Monthi Fest on September 1 at the Queen of Peace Church and Hall in Norval, Canada. This year’s celebration was marked by the heartfelt felicitation of Fr Andrew Lewis, who was honored for his remarkable 50 years of dedicated priestly service. The event celebrated not only the traditional Monthi Fest but also the enduring contributions of Fr Andrew to the Catholic community.

The day commenced with a solemn Konkani Mass, co-celebrated by Fr Andrew Lewis, Fr Henry Alva, Fr Ranjan D’Sa, and Fr Rajesh D’Souza. The celebrants also performed the blessing of the traditional novemn drink, meticulously prepared by Ingrid Pereira, and presented blessed candles to all the sponsors. Arun Mendes delivered the welcome address at the church, setting a tone of reverence and community, while Oreen Pereira offered the vote of thanks, expressing deep gratitude to all involved.

 

The liturgy was further enriched by a choir conducted and led by Priya Fernandez, with vocal support from Ingrid Pereira, Lara and Paul Rebello, Nancy and Max Mendes, Nancy and Walter Lobo, Celine Fernandes, Veena D’Costa, Brian and Joanne D’Souza, and instrumental accompaniment by Angela D’Costa on the keyboard, Johnny and Bosco DeSouza on guitars.

Following the Mass, the congregation participated in a joyful procession to the garden, singing the iconic hymn "Sakkad Sangatha Melya." Young children and families offered flowers to Baby Mother Mary, continuing a cherished tradition of devotion. There was a special treat of goodie bags gifted to all the children. 

After the procession, ticket holders proceeded to the church hall for cultural activities and the novemn ceremony, followed by an authentic vegetarian Mangalorean meal catered by Konkan Delite. In the hall, Nancy Lobo welcomed the guests and expressed her gratitude to all the priests, organizers, performers, volunteers, DJ, emcees, caterers, sponsors and the guests. The evening’s events were emceed by the young and vivacious duo, Meghan Pereira and Leanne D’Souza, who conducted the program with grace and elegance. Glen Saldanha served as the DJ, ensuring the evening’s music was lively and engaging, while photographer Wenster Lobo captured every significant moment.

The highlight of the evening was the felicitation of Fr Andrew Lewis. Nancy Mendes delivered a powerful and moving speech in honor of Fr Andrew’s golden jubilee, reflecting on his life’s journey and his profound impact on the community. In recognition of his exemplary service, Mavy Pereira bestowed upon him the prestigious KCOB Champion Award, a symbol of the community’s deep appreciation. Max Mendes honored Fr Andrew with the traditional shawl, and Priya Fernandez presented him with a love offering, a heartfelt token from the committee members.

The evening’s cultural performances were a vibrant display of talent and tradition. Lara Rebello opened the program with a Konkani song, a beautiful adaptation of a Bengali song “MA” into Konkani. Danica Lasrado followed with an energetic hip-hop dance. The comedy skit "Mad Max Hospital," performed by Max and Nancy Mendes, brought laughter and joy to the audience. Lawrence D’Souza’s dances to "Stayin' Alive" and "Yarana" were crowd favorites, while group performances by Glen and Fabina Saldanha, Melissa Fernandes, Brendon Pesso, Maria Pereira, Dalia Saldanha, and Johan Saldanha added to the evening’s festive spirit.

Jack Barboza charmed the audience with his rendition of "Malaika" in Konkani and Swahili, showcasing a unique blend of cultures. The beloved Konkani song "Mog Tuzzo Kitlo" was beautifully performed by Brian and Joanne D’Souza, accompanied by Bosco on guitar, Angela on piano, and Johnny D’Souza on guitar.

A surprise highlight of the evening was an impromptu performance by Dr. Suresh Nambiar, who sang a classic Hindi song by Mohammed Rafi. Dr. Nambiar, a decorated artist and winner of the 2023 ICICI IShine contest in Mumbai, delivered a soul-stirring performance that earned him a standing ovation from the audience. His love for Mohammed Rafi was evident as he captivated the crowd with his powerful voice.

The event was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the organizing team, including Arun and Jennifer Mendes, Max and Nancy Mendes, Mavy and Ingrid Pereira, Walter and Nancy Lobo, Leena D’Souza, Oreen Pereira, and Priya Fernandez. The KCOB extends its heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, gift-offering families, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to the success of the 11th Annual Monthi Fest.

There were tons of game, spot, gate prizes and 50/50 raffle door prizes. 

As the evening concluded, the KCOB community reflected on a day filled with faith, celebration, and unity, looking forward to continuing this cherished tradition in the years to come.

Sponsors of Monthi Fest 

  • Ravi Fernandes of Trinity Auto Garage
  • Walludin of Mechways Inc.
  • Max, Nancy Mendes & Webster Lobo of Max Mendesgroup
  • Arun & Jennifer Mendes of Reliable Lawyers
  • Jack & Ophelia Barbosa of Green PI Inc.
  • Peter & Werrel Lobo of PW Immigration, Visas & Citizenship Services
  • Flavian & Miriam Pinto of Sun Life Financials
  • Nelson, Veena D'Costa & Family
  • Albert, Josephine & Family
  • Colin of Sq.ft Flooring
  • Karolina of Karol’s Decor
  • Felix Serrao of Right Fit Blinds
  • Jerald Moraes of Jerry’s Authentic Mangalorean Spices

 

Photo Album: Click here...

  

Top Stories

Comment on this article

  • Allen & Fly, Dubai

    Tue, Sep 10 2024

    Congratulations Dear Fr Andrew on your Beautiful Milestone Journey 💐💐💐💐🎊🎊🎊🎊. You are the best Gentleman i have met .With lots of Love 💞

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jerry Saldanha, Mukamar, Udupi.

    Fri, Sep 06 2024

    Congratulations and best wishes, Rev Fr Andrew Lewis to your 50 years of priesthood. Our heartfelt gratitude for your selfless service which you rendered to Belman and Mukamar parishioners. May the Lord grant you good health and happiness throughout your priesthood.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Mary, DUBAI

    Fri, Sep 06 2024

    Fr Andrew Lewis, Congratulations on your 50th Ordained Priestlyhood May God shower you with more Priestlyhood and Blessings

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Franklin, Rita and Daryl Tauro, Urwa, Mangalore

    Fri, Sep 06 2024

    Congratulations to Rev Fr Andrew Lewis in honor of your 50 years of priesthood. Our heartfelt gratitude for your selfless service which you rendered to our Urwa parishioners. May thr Lord grant you good health and happiness throughout your priesthood.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jude Thaddeus Gonsalves, Barkur/Bahrain

    Fri, Sep 06 2024

    Dear Fr. Andrew, Congratulations and best wishes to you, being priest for 50 years. You are a blessed person. We pray to God for showeres of graces of good health and love to continue His Mission and service to humanity, With prayers & good wishes -Thadddeus & family

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Leeda Fernandes, Bellore-Denmark

    Fri, Sep 06 2024

    Congratulations Fr Andrew on your 50 years of Priesthood. Thank you for your selfless work for the church, you have touched life of many people. May Lord bless you with good health and you may continue your good work for the people of God.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, INDIA

    Thu, Sep 05 2024

    “I remember that Father Andrew Lewis was also the parish priest of Urwa several years ago. Anyways, along with congratulating him, I would like to extend my good wishes to the Canadian Catholic community for the Monthi Fest.”

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Langoolacharya., Belman / Washington, DC.

    Thu, Sep 05 2024

    Fr Andrew Lewis was Asst Parish Priest of Belman Church when I was a kid going to School....very friendly and helpful priest....I am pleasantly surprised to see his pic after few decades....he still looks exactly same like he was few decades ago.....Tak...Takk...

    DisAgree [7] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Donald Maxim Saldanha, Derebail/Belman

    Thu, Sep 05 2024

    Congratulations to Rev. Fr Andrew Lewis for celebrating 50 years of Priestly service. He was our Asst Parish Priest during my childhood years in Belman (1974-79). I was closely associated with him as an altar boy and used to accompany him during annual house blessings. He used to often take us for outings and trips. I still cherish those fond memories. A very devout, kind and friendly Priest, I wish him many many more years of healthy and happy Priestly ministry.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mariette Lewis Mistry, Mangalore/ Tulsa, OK, USA.

    Thu, Sep 05 2024

    God Bless Them All.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse


Leave a Comment

Title: Fr Andrew Lewis honored for 50 years of priestly service at KCOB's 11th annual Monthi fest in Canada



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.