Reported by: Melwin Lobo
Pictures taken by: Nelson D’Souza
Toronto, Sep 23 : The Joyous occasion of our Blessed Mother Mary’s Birthday was celebrated in Toronto, Canada. The members of the KONKAN ORGANIZATION OF TORONTO, along with their family and friends, celebrated the 5th annual Monthi Fest on September 10th 2016, at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, Scarborough, followed by a reception, showering of flowers and Novem blessing at the JC’s Banquet Hall.
The Main Celebrant of the Konkani Mass was Fr. Francis Noronha, con-celebrants were, Archbishop Emeritus Dr. Lawrence Saldanha, Fr Edwin D’Souza, Fr. Tony D’Souza and Deacon Terrance Rebello.
The choir was led by Joseph(Nobby) Lobo. The musicians along with the melodious voices of the choir members, brought back memories for the congregation of a similar experience that they had from back home in India.
The children participated in the showering of flowers to Our Blessed Mother and the choir sang ‘Sakkad Sangatha Melyan and Moriyek Hogolsiyan’
Kristina D’Silva introduced the MC for the show, Wilson D’Souza. He entertained the guests with games, spot prizes and his Konkani shayari.
The Executive Committee of 2016-2017
Herman Pinto (Vice-President and Outreach Coordinator)
Pam Rebello (Secretary)
Antony Castelino (President)
Maria Monteiro (Cultural Coordinator)
Grace D’Silva (Finance Secretary)
Melissa Monteiro (Youth Coordinator)
Hilda Mendonca (Membership Coordinator)
Kristina D’Silva (Co Youth Coordinator)
Melwin Lobo (Communications Coordinator)
The mission of Konkan Organization of Toronto is to promote the youth by giving them opportunities to develop leadership skills through literacy, art, song and other forms of cultural expressions. The 2016 KOT scholarship was donated by the D‘Silva family. The award was given out by Clifford D’Silva. This year’s recipient was Danielle Sequeira. Her parent’s, Val & Genieve Sequeira, collected the award in her absence.
To begin the entertainment, our young children put up a rocking show choreographed by Claudia Lobo and Myra D’Souza
The current & past Presidents’ and Founder, who helped in the formation of Konkan Organization of Toronto, were felicitated for their contribution.
The Novem was blessed by Fr. Edwin Dsouza
Archbishop Emeritus Dr. Lawrence Saldanha blessed the food. The sumptuous meal catered by Udupi Palace had seven traditional items which included ‘pathrade’, ‘ 'chonne thendlim', 'sango' and ‘vorn’ for dessert.
Diana Serpes performed two solos, ‘Mog tujo kithlo aashilo’ and ‘Mogan Ason Borem’. Her melodious voice was a pleasant surprise to all the guests.
There was a Konkani skit about a teacher and a student. The role of the teacher was played by Herman Pinto and Melwin Lobo played the part of the student. The skit was a comedy in the true sense and brought a lot of laughter to the audience.
The youth performed a stunning dance choreographed by Claudia Lobo and Raina Pinto, to the tune of the popular songs ‘Angea saarke chedu’ and ‘Whistle maar’.
Antony Castelino, President, gave the vote of thanks.
Recipients of the spot prizes, door prizes, and a 50/50 draw.
DJ Vinod Monteiro’s music, Konkani masala along with the current hits, rocked the hall and the guests could not stop dancing till the end of the show.
The event was well organized, full of fun and of course keeping the tradition alive. Thank you to all the members and the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of the Monthi Fest event.