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(News / Photos: Rons Bantwal)
Mumbai (Pune), Sept.22: Monthi Fest” (Feast of the Nativity of our Blessed Virgin Mary), holds a very special place in the heart of every Mangalorean across the world. Eating the traditional Novem Jevann on banana leaves, vorn (coconut dessert), kobu (sugarcane), etc. fills every Mangalorean with nostalgia and warmth.
So, all the Mangaloreans of the Mangalorean Catholic Association (MCA), Pune celebrated Monthi Fest with grandeur and pomp on 15th September 2024 at Christ the King Church, Wadgaonsheri Pune, with close to 200 people in attendance.
The celebration started with Fr. Sunil Menezes SVD,blessing the new sheaves of grain (Novem) at the grotto of Mother Mary. Singing the traditional hymn “Sakkad Sangatha Melyam, Moriyek Hogolsiyam”, the children and the congregation offered flowers to our beloved Monthi Mai.
The main celebrant of the Eucharistic celebration was Fr. Naveen Rebello SVD with Fr. Francline Machado SVD, Fr. Sunil Ranger SJ of De Nobili College (DNC – Pune) giving the Homily, Fr. Lancy Monteiro SJ of DNC, Fr. Woolsie SJ of DNC, Fr. Claudius Tauro SJ ofJnana Deepa Institute (previously JDV – Pune), Fr. Ivan D’Souza SJ,Fr. Jossy Lobo SJ, Fr. Peter Colaco as concelebrants.
Fr. Sunil Ranger SJ delivered a captivating homily that resonated deeply with the congregation. He began by engaging the audience with a thought-provoking question about the numerous feasts dedicated to Mother Mary. The crowd was astonished to learn that every month of the year celebrates at least one day honoring her, a distinction shared only by Our Lord Jesus Christ and St. Joseph. Fr. Ranger invited everyone to draw inspiration from Mother Mary’s example, becoming instruments of blessing and grace in their own lives and the lives of others.
The mass was very participative with children and adults alike taking up various responsibilities like the liturgical reading, singing of psalms and various prayers during the service.Angelic voices of the MCA Konkani choir along with the seminarians of DNC and the Papal Seminary were perfectly harmonized and the entire congregation joyfully and prayerfully participated in the singing.
Mrs. Ivy Saldanha, a senior MCA member felicitated the priests and religious sisters present for the mass. Mrs. Sunita D’Souza, MCA Secretary thanked the clergy and the congregation alike for their devout participation throughout the Eucharistic service.
The Holy Mass was followed by a vibrant cultural programmeat the Christ,The King Church Hall. It was expertly hosted by the dynamic duo of Mrs. Shanti Fernandes and Ms. Michelle Vas. Mr.John Richard and Mrs. Oreen Noronha welcomed the guests according to the Mangalorean traditions with Panpod and Udak (betel leaf and water). Mr.Vijay Noronha, MCA President,welcomed the priests, religious and guests. Next a prayer dance was staged by Ms.Nyesha Sequeira. This was followed by a cultural dance performed by Mrs. Marina Veigas, Mrs.Immaculate Fernandes, Mrs. Nancy Sequeira and Mrs. Reena Castelino. A rib-tickling comedy skit on antics at Hotel ‘Namhaddala’ by Br. Adline Monteiro, Br. Sanson D’Souza, Br. Macwin D’Souza, Br. Bleston, Mrs. Sunitha Baptist, Mrs. Shwetha D’Souza left everyone in fits of laughter.
Fr. Naveen Rebello SVD felicitated the students of academic year 2023-2024 who passed their Classes 10, 12 and Graduation. The donors for Monthi Fest were felicitated by Senior MCA Members – Mr. Aloysius Saldanha, Mr. Charles Mascarenhas and Mr. Benjamin Mathias.
The new additions welcomed to the MCA Family – Dr. Arun & Dr. Shilpa Fernandes, Ms. Jacinta Rocha, Mr.Flewin & Mrs. Sunitha Baptist, Mr. Francis & Mrs. Shwetha D’Souza were also felicitated.
The audience were kept on the edge of their seats with a series of exciting spot prizes and lucky draws, adding an extra layer of thrill and anticipation to the programme. Mr. Edward Lobo expressed his heartfelt gratitude to MCA for the invaluable assistance and kindness shown to him and his family during his wife’s illness. Mrs.Wilma thanked the audience for making this Monthi Fest a successful and colorful event and all the members who worked directly or indirectly for the success of this programme. The cultural programme concluded with the singing of “Laudate Dominum” by the choir members. Fr. Lawrence Fernandez blessed the ‘Novem Jevann’. The choir members kept the audience enthralled and in high spirits with their foot tapping Mangalorean Masala. The event culminated with a sumptuous Novem Jevann, a fitting end to a memorable day of fellowship and celebration!
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