News: Dr Lynn D’Souza
Pics: Christopher Monis
Boston (USA), Sep 7: Once again over 150 Mangalorean Catholics got together at St Mary’s Church, Chelmsford, MA on Sunday September 4 to celebrate Monthi Fest – the Solemn Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, organized by the Mangalorean Catholic Association-New England (MCA-NE) in collaboration with Belle Vision, USA.
It was a treat to the eye of the beholder to see the enthusiastic guests clad in traditional attire. The solemn celebration, began with the traditional ‘flower offering’ to Mary, accompanied by singing ‘Moriyek Hogolsiyan’. After this, everyone processed to the church with the statue of Infant Mary, and joined in the Konkani Mass concelebrated by Rev Fr Cyril Fernandes from Indianapolis and Rev Dr Maurice D’Souza, who had flown all the way from Cleveland Ohio for the 8th consecutive year to be with our Mangalorean community. Fr Cyril highlighted the historical significance of Monti Fest, and its relevance today to Mangaloreans living away from home, while emphasizing the importance of celebrating this day with family and to foster new relationships. As this event coincided with the Canonization of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, prayers for her intercession were held at the end of the Eucharistic Celebrations.
After Mass, the celebrations continued in the parish hall. Appetizing Mangalorean snacks and refreshments were served much to the delight of the guests.
The welcome address to the distinguished guests was delivered by Dr. Lynn D’Souza, president of the MCA-NE. Lynn expressed her gratitude on behalf of the entire Mangalorean community and extended a hearty welcome to the priests, and urged them to partake in the celebrations in the years to come. She highlighted the fact that the evening was extra special not only by good weather and starry skies, but also by the star studded stage, with celebrity singers and musicians who had flown all the way from Qatar & Kuwait to join us in our Monthi Fest Celebrations. She acknowledged the dedication, enthusiasm, and Zest of Mr. Frederick Fernandes, who is instrumental in playing a pivotal role in coordinating the entire event.
The welcome address was followed by Fr Maurice D’Souza’s words of wisdom, followed by cultural events. The highlight of the evening was a Konkani skit “Boston Konkani School” Directed by Victor Sequeira and enacted by Santosh D’Mello and his team. Games were conducted by Priya and Loy D’Souza.
All the guests were enticed by the exhilarating and soulful music by singers Norbert Pereira, Nancy Pereira who sang some of the best creations, notable amongst them were Juliana, Meera Meera, Senorita, Konkani Mai bas. Rony and Jasmine Dcunha mesmerized the entire audience by singing some of their best songs “Ami mog kelo Sangitacho”, “Khantar Karun”, “Rozaline” along with some notable Bollywood songs. Music was provided by the music maestro Adrian Gomes who also played instrumental piece “Louiza”. Their music and songs took all the guests down memory lane. By the end of the night all the guests were lured to the dance floor by the catchy beats of music, by the singers, aptly supported by our DJ Clayton Monis. The audience was also entertained by Fred Kumar Kuchhikadu with his Poem “Chandrem”.
Keeping up the tradition of the harvest festival, authentic Mangalorean vegetarian dinner was served. The Novem Jevon was a delectable spread of lip smacking dishes followed by ‘Vorn and Holige’ as desserts. Mr Felix Noronha, president of Bellevision, USA thanked everyone present for making the event a grand success.