KONKAN HARVEST FESTIVAL
Konkan Harvest Festival (Monti Fest) 2007
was celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm under the auspices of the
Konkani Prayer Group of
Rev. Fr. Thomas Quadros, Parish Priest, in the presence of assistant
priest, Rev. Fr. Uldarico Camus, and visiting priests
Rev. Fr. Valerian Menezes and Rev. Fr. Altimo Gomes, blessed the new paddy, specially flown in
from Mangalore at the outdoor stage, and later children showered flowers on
Mother Mary, while the congregation sang:
Sogott Sangata Mellia.
Later the faithful attended
a High Mass in Konkani, the main celebrant being Rev. Fr. Valerian Menezes. During the homily, Fr. Valerian conveyed the
meaning of ‘Monti Fest’ how it derived from
Portuguese era, and the important role Mother Mary played in her life
time. He also emphasized the importance
of unity within our Community and the Parish, and stressed on the importance of
Konkani language, which should be spoken in our homes with our children. The Choir led by Menino
Fernandes added grace to the whole liturgy.
After mass
traditional sweets and coconut juice (roce), along
with blessed paddy was distributed to all the faithful Later all assembled at
the Bishop Tirinanzi Auditorium for a short cultural
treat which included folk dance by little children entitled “Nach, Nach Konkara”
choreographed by Priya Mascarenhas,
a comedy skit, “Souza Restaurant” written and directed by Alwyn
Peris and a song in Konkani and Mono-Act entitled,
“Maim-Put” by Domnic. The whole program was compered by Mr.
-Freddy/Edwin