BV Bahrain celebrates Monti Fest with family get-together

By Sylvia D’Souza
Pics by Wilson D’Souza & Ronald Fernandes
Bellevision Media Network

 Let us celebrate with joy the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary that she intercedes for us with Lord Jesus Christ.

Manama/Bahrain, 16 Sep 2016: Bellevision Bahrain celebrated Monti Fest during a family get-together here on Monday September 12 afternoon. It was a much-awaited occasion for Bellevision Bahrain families to renew their bonds over a fellowship meal of blessed new grain from the first harvest. 

 

The families sung the Konkani hymn, Sakkad Sangatha Melyan ani Moriyek Hogolsiyan, in honor of Infant Mary.

 

 

The president Alfreeda Castelino led the celebration with the gathering welcomed by compere Ivan Sequeira who briefed about the significance of Monti Fest, the rich tradition of celebrating feast of Infant Mary by the ancestors of Mangalorean.   

 

As Monti Fest is feast of the family and prayer is the foundation that keeps the family together, to keep that concept true prayer was conducted by Edward Fernandes and family. 

 

Alfreeda Castelino welcomed all the guests and sponsors. Speaking on the occasion, Alfreeda explained the significance of Monti Fest and conveyed her festive wishes to all. She urged all the members to keep the unity as one family. 

 

Continuing the rich tradition, the statue of Infant Mary was carried in procession by the president along with children carrying fresh flowers to shower them on Mama Mary placed at the beautifully decorated stage by Joel D’Sa and Arun Castelino.

 

Infant Mary was honored with offering of flowers in traditional manner by the children, accompanied by the melodious choir. The novem or blessed corn was distributed which was sponsored by Ronald Alva and family. Homemade cake prepared by Naveen Mendonca was distributed to the gathering.

 

Ries and Delisha, Shanelle Sophia and Ashel added delight and flavors to the celebration by their dance performances.

 

Ronald Fernandes, Nikhita Fernandes, Preetham Aranha entertained the crowd with their melodious songs.

 

Sumptuous traditional vegetarian meal along with vorn was served to all. 

 

Naveen Mendonca and Arun Castelino under their proficient leadership took the in-charge of the catering and was assisted by their team including: Edward Fernandes, Preetham Aranha, Roshan D’Souza, Ronald Alva, Gilbert Sequeira, Sharmila Sequeira, Nirmala Fernandes, Hilda D’Sa, Princy Alva and Sylvia D’Souza.

 

Secretary Rashmi Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks and thanked each and every one who worked hard for such a fantastic gathering.

 

Registration counter was managed by Princy Alva, Pramila Martis and Laveena Mendonca. 

 

The sugarcanes were distributed to the children. The feast was celebrated with joy and happiness by Bellevision Bahrain and was a proof of unity.