Media Release

Ontario, Sep 8: As children carrying flowers gathered around the statue of Baby Mother Mary and the church filled with prayer, the familiar traditions of Monthi Fest came together once again in Ontario.

On Saturday, September 5, the Konkani Catholics of Canada (KCOB) gathered at Queen of Peace Church in Norval for the 13th Annual Monthi Fest, celebrating the Nativity of the Blessed Mother Mary and bringing families and friends together in faith and fellowship.

Faith at the heart of the celebration

The celebration began with a solemn Feast Mass in Konkani, celebrated by Fr Henry Alva and assisted by deacon Ferdinand D’Souza and altar server Joanne D’Souza.

Ingrid Pereira welcomed the congregation. In his homily, Fr Henry Alva reflected on the history and significance of Monthi Fest, reminding the congregation of the traditions that have brought the community together over the years. He also spoke about the importance of sharing a meal together as a family and community, offering the simple but thoughtful reminder that 'a family that eats together lives together'.

The KCOB choir, led by Priya Fernandez, provided the music for the liturgy. The choir included Brian D’Souza, Lara and Paul Rebello, Max and Nancy Mendes, Nancy Lobo, Ingrid Pereira, Josephine Soosay, and Veena D’Costa, with musical accompaniment from Bosco D’Souza on bass guitar, Johnny D’Souza on guitar, David D’Souza on keyboard, and Richie D’Souza on drums.

Following Mass, Oreen Pereira delivered the vote of thanks before the congregation gathered for the flower offering to Mother Mary.

As children brought flowers forward and sang Moriek Hogolsiya, a cherished tradition came alive once again, carried forward by families across generations.

From prayer to celebration

The gathering then moved to the hall, where children carried the statue of Baby Mother Mary in procession as Babita Pinto sang Jezuchi Avoi Mori, composed by Konkani Kogul Wilfy Rebimbus.

Mavy Pereira welcomed the gathering and invited priests and sponsors to participate in the blessing of the Novemn. The traditional Novemn drink, prepared by Ingrid Pereira of Homemade Culinary, was shared with attendees along with blessed candles.

The evening was hosted by mother-son MC duo Babita and Zach Pinto, known to many in the Konkani community through Konkani Rewind, with music and entertainment led by DJ Glen Saldanha.

Crystal Sequeira opened the program with a soulful rendition of Celine Dion’s Because You Loved Me. Zoya Nambiar followed with a dynamic performance of Ek Do Teen, while Lara Rebello added to the musical lineup with a selection of Bollywood classics.

Glen Saldanha and the youth brought a vibrant group dance to the stage, featuring popular favourites including Jiya Jale, Sharara, Husn Hai Suhana, Main To Raste Se Ja Raha Tha, and the energetic Baila Bayamma.

One of the evening’s standout performances was the Lungi Dance, which brought three generations together on one stage - adults, youth, and children. Choreographed by Priya Fernandez and Nancy Lobo, the performance featured the adults - Bobby, Brian, Ingrid, Josephine, Max, Sunil and Veena, alongside youth performers - Brian, Fiona, Joanne and Zoya, and the Kids Group - Arya, Blake, Elijah, Isaiah and Maverick. The performance drew enthusiastic applause.

The evening included a special tribute to the late Henry D’Souza of “Ye Ye Katrina” fame, led by Babita Pinto and made interactive through karaoke and participation from the crowd. Max Mendes, President of Canara World Foundation, shared a personal reflection, recalling the honour of hosting Henry on his first visit to Canada in 2009 and his unforgettable performance at the Living Arts Centre. The tribute brought back memories of a much-loved voice and a special chapter in the community’s history.

Celebrating those who give back

The evening recognized Aloysius 'Loy' D’Souza of Konkan Delite, who was honoured with the Community Champion Award for his contributions to the community and for bringing Mangalorean hospitality to families across the community for the past 30 years.

Nancy Mendes delivered the introduction, highlighting Loy’s longstanding contributions, while Leena D’Souza presented the award. Members of the KCOB committee joined Loy on stage for the recognition.

Food, fellowship and a dance floor

Before dinner, deacon Ferdinand D’Souza led the gathering in Grace. Guests then enjoyed dinner prepared by the Konkan Delite team and served by volunteers.

The evening continued with door prizes, spot prizes, and a 50/50 raffle, adding excitement throughout the celebration.

The community proudly congratulated the Canara Canada Challengers on becoming the MFSI 2026 Champions

Nelson D’Costa, chairman of Canadian Canara Vision Inc. (CCVI), addressed the gathering about planning for 'life’s inevitable journey' and supporting CCVI’s community initiatives. He also invited attendees to the upcoming CCVI Charity Dinner Dance on October 3 and All Souls Day Prayer Service on November 1.

As DJ Glen took over the dance floor, families and friends came together for a mix of Baila, Bollywood and English favourites, bringing the evening to a lively close.

Sincere gratitude

KCOB extended its heartfelt appreciation to the sponsors, donors, volunteers, performers, committee members, and supporters whose generosity and dedication helped make Monthi Fest 2026 possible.

Sponsors & donors

• Nelson D’Costa & Family
• Albert Soosay & Family
• Anita & Tony Dewan
• Baljeet - Popular Kitchen (https://popularkitchen.ca/)
• Roshan Crasto - Goldenline Digital Entertainment (GoldenlineDigitalEntertainment.com)
• Peter & Werrel D’Souza - PW Immigration Visas and Citizenship Services (mailto:dsouzawer@gmail.com )
• Stan & Rosa Goveas - Rock of Colors (www.bronzemarkers.ca)
• Jeannette D’Souza - Destiny Dental (www.destinydentalcare.ca)
• Dr Kannan Pethaperumal - Kannan Dental (https://share.google/t3pNZ9vWnCRCf9Q9P)
• Jack & Ophelia Barbosa - Green PI Inc (https://greenpi.ca/home/)
• Flavian Pinto - Sun Life Financial Advisor (https://advisor.sunlife.ca/flavian.pinto/about/)
• Julia Duane D’Souza

Donors & gift sponsors

• Gerald Moraes (https://www.facebook.com/jerald.moraes.5 )
• Ronald & Dorothy Rego - Rego International www.rkimport.com
• Arun Mendes - Reliable Lawyers (www.reliablelawyers.ca)
• Nancy & Max Mendes - Real Estate (www.maxmendes.com )
• Ingrid & Mavy Pereira
• Leena & Lawrence D’Souza

More than an annual celebration

What made Monthi Fest 2026 special was the way familiar traditions came together. Children carried flowers. Families prayed together in Konkani. Novemn was shared. Young people took the stage, and friends and families gathered around the same tables. These are the moments through which our traditions are passed from one generation to the next, keeping our faith, language, music, and culture alive thousands of miles from home.

That is the warmth of Monthi Fest - a tradition that brings all home, wherever home may be.