Report by Dolly M Sequeira         
Photographs by Dilip Correa 
Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat

Muscat, Sep 9: A land surrounded by mountains and the feeling of living in a desert was forgotten last night September 8th 2009, when the feast of nativity was celebrated here at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi, Muscat for the 22nd year in succession. It was an evening to be cherished for many days to come; everyone looked resplendent in their festive attire, there was eagerness on the faces of the people and the sight of little children carrying the platter of flowers, all bloomed and collected here in the land, was a moment of joy to all present there. People from different parishes from the coastal region  gathered here in huge numbers to celebrate the Monthi Fest in a grand way. 

What made Monthi Fest celebration this year truly special and distinctive was the Novena prayer, which was conducted by the guest priest Fr. John Harry D'Souza, OFM Cap for 9 days.  Fr. John Harry D'Souza is a well known and respected priest from Mangalore and is the Chief Editor of Kutmacho Sevak a monthly Konkani tabloid. The Konkani community appreciates Fr. John Harry D’souza’s gesture and the time spent by him, which benefited the community here.  The prayer was attended by the Konkani Community of the Parish in large numbers.  Treats were distributed to children after the mass all nine days. 

On 8th September 2009, the Solemn Eucharistic celebration started at 8:00 pm and was presided over by Fr. John Harry D'Souza along with Fr Albert D'Silva Fr. Raul Ramos and Fr Mathew of Sts Peter and Paul Church joined as celebrates.  

The procession was led by Stanley Fernandes (Dattu known as patriarch of Konkani Community in Oman)  along with John and Nancy D’souza carrying the corn tray and Melwyn and Dolly Sequeira with Holy Prayer & Pictures. As the choir sang the Hymn 'Sakkad sangathan melyam', children walked in procession carrying flowers and showered flowers to the hymn of "Moriyek Hogolsiam. The Paddy grains on stalks were flown in especially for the occasion from Mangalore.

The Mass commenced with a welcome note by Suraj Rebello, current President of MCCP and the readings were read by Prescilla Machado, Matilda Mascarenhas & Lancy Lobo. 

The choir under the leadership of the expert choir master Apolinaris D'Souza., enchanted everyone present with their melodious singing and music. The talented choir team comprised of Nirmala Goveas, Victoria Soares, Dolphy Vaz, Anitha Lobo, Valerian Peres, Stany Soares, Clita Crasta, Lancy Sequeira, Jovita Sequeira, Flavia Castelino, Jessy Castelino, Arun Pinto, Jacintha Serrao,Flavia D Souza Ivan Moras, Lancy Pinto, Naveen Mascarenhas, Philomena Saldhana, Ronald Lobo, Vivian Fernandes and Arthur D’Souza. To compliment the talented singers and the melody were our talented musicians Noel Rasquinha – Keyboard, Lanston Pinto – Guitar,  Melroy Dsouza - Violin, Rasquin Menezes  – Violin, Savio – Violin, Fiola D’Souza – Violin 

After the Eucharistic celebration, the organizing committee distributed the blessed corn, holy pictures to all gathered and a bag of goodies and sugarcane to the children.   The committee made arrangements to serve the faithful traditional Vorn and ladoos.  Truly this evening was another memorable event for all present there.  

• Photo Album 1 Click Here
• Photo Album 2 Click Here
• Nativity Feast Around the World : Click Here