Mumbai: Monti Fest Celebration at Kandivli West, Assumption Church
By Ancy DSouza
Bellevision Media Network
Mumbai, Sep 22, 2014: Assumption Konkani Sangh celebrated Monti Fest 2014 on Saturday 13th September 2014. The event commenced with blessing of Balok Mori statue and the paddy by Fr. Byron Mendonca & Bro.Kenneth Crasta who is form Mangalore Diocese and came in specially to attend our event. This was followed by showering of flowers and singing traditional Konkani hymns. Then a small procession into the church followed by mass at 5:30 pm. Bro. Kenneth provided a touching homily on we must be die to ourselves so that we are born again to a new life. He provided practical and simple examples from his life to make the people understand the importance of God’s unending love for us.
Post the Mass there was a cultural program organised by the AKS members. Every year we have a theme for Monti fest, this year the theme was "Awareness on Child Abuse" this was depicted very wonderfully by song and dance by the AKS youth. The cultural program was a mix of song , dance and rib tickling skits by the AKS Children, Youth & Members.
The president of AKS Mrs. Hilda Pereira welcomed the Chief Guest Mr. V. P. Lobo , Chairman & MD of T3 Urban Developers along with the Guests of Honor Parish Priest Fr. Elias Dcunha , Fr. Byron Mendonca, Bro.Rocky Fernandes, Br. Kenneth Crasta, renowned Konkani Singer Mr. Henry Dsouza & Mr. Lawrence Saldhana.All the guests of where felicitated with a flower bouquets by the AKS committee members Mrs. Hilda Pereira & Mr. Valerian Pais handed over contributions on behalf of the AKS to the Parish Priest for the the Banderpakadi Church building fund and for the Parish Scholarships. Fr. Elias was touched by the gesture and addressed the people present. He appreciated the vibrancy displayed by the AKS members and requested the people to also show the same vibrancy in their respective communities whereby everyone contributes to the Parish becoming a truly vibrant parish. The Chief Guest Mr. V. P. Lobo informed the people on the origins of the feast of Monti Fest and how our Lady’s devotion has helped him in his life.
The cultural program concluded with the traditional Monti Fest dinner with voran.