Monica Mathias, Dublin
Dublin, Sep 12: Konkans Ireland celebrated the feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary ‘Monthi Fest’ at Whitehall Colmcille Hall, Dublin on September 10. As preparation for the feast 9 days Novena was started on August 30. Around 25 to 30 families joined the Novena everyday through zoom. Samantha, Valerian/Kavita, Sandeep/Leena, Arun/Maria, Anil/Arathi, Roshan/Leena, Antony/Teresa, Eldric/Rachel and Santhosh/Sarita were the hosts for the 9-day novena.
Leena D’Souza welcomed the gathering. Fr Suresh Babu blessed the new crop (Novem) sourced by Arun and Maria Lobo, brought all the way from India by Vijay and Veena Machado from Herbert D’Souza and family’s farm, Jeppina Mogaru, Mangaluru, who grow Kanshee specifically for Novem and transport it internationally.
After the blessing of Kanshee, Fr Suresh celebrated the Holy Eucharist with a meaningful Homily. To add melodies to the Holy Mass Anil, Arathi, Savitha, Jessy, Manuel, Hansel, Jevita, Santhosh, Reena, Benita, Janice, Derick sang at the choir melodiously. Chris and Arvin were Altar boys and Arun helped with dhump. During the Mass, prayers of the faithful read by Alisha, Freda, Deepak, Fiona, Lona, Neola, Rainy and Lora.
Offertory by Rishon, Aaron, Shaniya, Cathy, Leena, Saritha, Kavita, Valerian and Arun. Kavita, Maria and Teresa were the Eucharist Ministers. After the Holy Mass kids as well as adults offered flowers to Infant Mary and venerated Mother Mary.
There after it was time for a group picture. With great difficulties captured large number of attendees in one frame. Novem was distributed to all. Samosas, cake slices and tandoori chicken and juice was served as snack and refreshments.
Cultural events started with Rolin and Rezil’s wonderful dance performance, Ava’s melodious song, Saritha/Santhosh, Shobha/Vijay, Arathi/Chris, Maria/Arun, Leon/Sandrine, Roman/Amitha stunned the audience by dancing to the tunes of ‘Hem manglur amchem’, Avrit’s amazing dance, Freda Pinto’s Bollywood jalwa, Chris and Crystal’s phenomenal duet dance, crowd burst into laughs to the entertainment of Alwyn, Vijay, Shashith and Shawn’s skit and Akash’s background music, Konkans Ireland blue angels Benita, Neha, Chris Ashline, Crystal, Janice, Divya, Gretta, Arvin, Shania rocked the stage with their talents, Anil and Arathi’s harmonious duet song, Chris’s Rock star performance, Aviv and Avrit key board and flute performance to the song of laudate dominum, George D'Ssouza, Roncy, Shashith and Valerian cracked up the audience again with their skit.
Delicious lunch and dessert was served by Industhan foods. Under five kids game was conducted by Savitha to sing happy birthday to Mama Mary.
Nikitha and Nijith prepared a beautiful hamper which was won by Nelson Lewis. Beautiful moments were captured by Joswin, Wilson and Monica.
The whole programme was spectacularly compered by Ivan Dantis. Dashing DJs for the day were Santhosh Tauro and Anil D’souza. Kavita Tauro acknowledged each and every one for their hard work in her vote of thanks. Mementos were distributed to those whoever participated in the cultural events.
Finally it was time to hit the dance floor and showcase the magic moves to the beats of Baila. Monthi Fest committee containing Santhosh/Saritha family, Valerian/Kavita family, Anil/Arathi family, Sandeep/Leena family, Savitha family, Nijith/Nikita family, Roshan/Leena family, Royston/Emenda family and Joswin, due to their efforts Konkans Ireland Monthi fest was a grand success.
Kanshee (paddy) from Mangaluru was given by Herbert Dsouza and family, Jeppina Mogaru.