By Gerry D’Mello, Bendur
Daijiworld Media Network - Canada
Canada, Aug 30: This year, the Konkani community in Toronto and surrounding areas will be privileged to celebrate their cherished “Monthi Fest” with Most Reverend John A. Boissonneau, the Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto Western Region. As informed by Fr Edwin D’Souza, the Parish Priest of Saints Martha and Mary Church, Mississauga, Canada who is also the Spiritual Director of the Mangalorean Association of Canada that the Bishop has shown a great interest to participate in the Monthi Fest celebration celebrated by the Konkani Community across the globe with pomp & glory. This will be an additional joy to the Konkani congregation in Canada who want to celebrate their dear Mother Mary’s birthday in traditional “Konkani-Style”!
The Monthi Fest has a tremendous significance to the Catholic community residing in Canada, as it celebrates not only the birthday of the mother of Jesus Christ but also the new harvest. Through this solemn yet festive event, we demonstrate unity and solidarity in our Catholic faith, our rich ethnic heritage and work towards enriching our children’s understanding and love of culture.
The Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) to whom this pioneer venture is attributed to is organizing the event on September 6, 2009 at the St. Maximilian Kolbe Church followed by a cultural program at John Paul II Polish Cultural Centre in Mississauga. Children are encouraged to bring flowers at 3.00 pm to offer to our Mother Mary and sweets will be distributed to the participants. A Konkani mass will be celebrated by 6 priests including the Bishop of Toronto. A cultural program has been organized to satisfy the clamoring demands of the community who soak up the traditional Konkani skits, songs and dances like a sponge to water. The grand component of the cultural program is a comedy drama called “Maglem Yek Mellem Don” written by famous playwright Percy Urwa and directed by ‘Mog ani Maipas’ fame Ozy Sequeira.
Maxim D’Mello, the incumbent president of MAC, informed Daijiworld that the preparations are going on in full swing and that there will be a big turnout this year because of the new location with vast parking space for Monthi Fest program. He urged the Konkani community residing in Toronto and surrounding areas not to miss this golden opportunity and to attend in large numbers to celebrate our Blessed Virgin Mother’s birthday celebration. An authentic sumptuous vegetarian Mangalorean dinner “Novem Jevonn” will be served at the Monthi Fest. He also informed that only a few tickets are available and requested to buy entry passes at the earliest to avoid disappointment.