Media Release
Doha, Sep 13: The Nativity of Our Lady, fondly known as Monti Fest in our hometown Mangalore, is undoubtedly one feast which makes us nostalgic of our childhood and reminds us of our families back home. It is a time when people overseas eagerly wait to receive the blessed corn from their families. It is also a time to renew our bonds with our families wherever they may be. For us Mangaloreans this is an occasion to show to the world that we are one – united in the love of our Blessed Virgin Mother.
‘Yeya ek Kutamb Bhandiam’(Come, Let us build ONE FAMILY) is the motto of Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC), Qatar and fittingly MCC starts its new calendar year with the celebration of the feast of the Nativity or the Monti Fest, eagerly awaited by Mangaloreans in Qatar. This year’s Monti Fest celebrations were scheduled for Friday, September 11, at 7:45 p.m. at Al Ghazal Club, Doha.
The tradition for the past years has been that the meal for the Novem Jevann is lovingly and painstakingly prepared by the members of the club for the entire Mangalorean Community in Qatar. It was no different this year. Around fifty members of the club volunteered their services and were asked to gather at the residence of MCC’s founding member Jerry D’Mello early on Friday morning for the preparation of the home cooked ‘Novem Jevann’.
Norbert Corda, Past President of MCC, coordinated the Noven Jevann preparation. While the men were busy with cleaning, chopping and sorting the vegetables, the women were busy in scraping the coconuts and preparing the roce. Jerry Saldanha, with his expert culinary skills, was in charge of the food preparation. Seven types of vegetables were cooked in traditional Mangalorean style. Jossy D’Souza, MCC’s Head of Volunteers and Vivian D’Souza, MCC’s past President, had the mammoth task of preparing Vorn (a traditional dessert) and Roce (sweetened coconut milk) respectively. Jerry and Leena D’Mello were the perfect hosts catering to the needs of the volunteers. There was a feeling of camaraderie and festivity amongst the volunteers. The whole scene was aptly described by Rev.Fr.Andrew Leo D’Souza, the visiting Vicar of Jeppu Seminary, who was the preacher for the nine-day Nativity Novena, thus: “this is a fabulous scene, rarely seen these days”. It was like bygone days where the neighbors gathered to cook for Roce, a ceremony which is held before a wedding.
The evening’s program began with the Children’s choir, trained by Dony Lobo, singing the prayer song.
Lawrence Pinto, a prominent Mangalorean personality from Kuwait and the major force behind various successful mega events such as Wilfy Rebimbus’ Sentimental Night and ‘Gulf Voice of Mangalore’ was the Chief Guest of the evening. MCC honoured Mr. Pinto with a shawl and a memento for his life time achievements. Rocky Fernandes, MCC’s Vice President introduced the chief guest highlighting his unparalleled achievements. In his reply Mr. Pinto appreciated the good work MCC has been doing and promised his support to MCC in its endeavors.
In his message, Fr. Andrew, the Guest of Honor, touched on the theme of one family – the union of the children of Mother Mary. Impressed by the unity and the spirit of service among the MCC members, Fr. Andrew encouraged the club to continue its good work and strengthen their social identity by becoming stronger through their service to the community in Qatar and back home.
President Alwyn D’Souza in his welcome address outlined the good work MCC had been doing during the past year. He particularly listed out the charitable events and the social activities organized by the club. He thanked the members for their support and solicited active participation in the coming year.
The 8th edition of the club’s newsletter ‘Sugandh’ was released by Lawrence Pinto and Rev. Fr Andrew D’Souza. News letter editor Joyce Alvares conducted this ceremony.
The Mangalorean Catechists at the Church of our Lady of the Rosary, Doha were recognized and honored by MCC with the Chief Guest presenting them a memento. Though familiar and well known to the Mangalorean Community for their outstanding service they were introduced to the audience by the Cultural Secretary Reena Castelino.
The cultural program consisted of a song ‘Ek Naari’, one of Konkan Kogul Wilfy Rebimbus’ most popular songs, and two dance performances. Eddie Sequeira, Ronald Rodrigues, Fredrick D’Souza, Della Rego, Alfred Crasta regaled the audience with jokes and comedy skits.
Alfred Cyril Crasta, with his perfect Konkani and emceeing skills was the host of the evening.
The evening ended with a game of Bingo for which five tickets of the forthcoming ABSOLUT BOLLYWOOD (The Beach Party) with Dj Aqeel & Dj NYK donated by Naveen Aranha of E4U, the organizers were on offer with many other prizes.
MCC takes this opportunity to thank all those involved in making this event a success beyond expectations. A special ‘thank you’ to the benefactors and MCC’s team of volunteers.