Abu Dhabi: Memorable Monti Fest Celebrations held at St. Joseph’s Cathedral by Konkani Communi

By Alphonse Mendonsa
Bellevision Media Network

Abu Dhabi, 12 Sep, 2014: A memorable Monti Fest Celebrations were held at St. Joseph’s Cathedral attended by large number of konkani community. All the children dressed beautifully for the occasion brought loads of flowers for showering to infant Mary.

 

The celebrations began at 8pm konkani choir singing melodious hymns. The blessing of the New Corn (Novem) and Infant Mary statue was performed by guest priest from Al Ain Parish Rev. Fr. Augustine Fernandes accompanied by HE Bishop Paul Hinder, Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Savarimuthu and Spiritual Director of Konkani Community Rev. Fr. Valerian Fernandes.

 

The ever eager little children showered the flowers at the mother Mary statue accompanied by beautiful singing of Moriyek Hogollxiam and then the new corn and statue was taken to the main alter in a grand procession.

 

A brief welcoming ceremony was held prior to the Mass with the Vice President of Parish Conrad D’Souza and requested Fr. Valerian Fernandes to honour the guest priest and Bishop with the floral bouquets. On the occasion a new CD of Konkani Hymns titled “ Jezu Mhaka Zai “ by Wilfred Fernandes was released by HE Bishop Paul Hinder. In his brief address Bishop wished Happy Feast to all konkani community and happy to see a large crowd.  He also requested to buy the newly released CD as the profit of sale of CDs will be given the church construction expenses at Abu Dhabi and Mussafah.

 

The holy mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Augustine Fernandes along with Rev. Fr. Valerian Fernandes. In his brief homily Fr. Augustine explained the love of Mother Mary towards her children and said she is the perfect example of purity and holiness which we should adapt in our life.

 

After the mass a brief thanksgiving ceremony was held and vote of thanks was delivered by Fr. Valerian Fernandes. He thanked Konkani Cultural Organization (K.C.O) for organizing the Monti-Fest Celebrations and also thanked the sponsors for their generosity namely. Mr. Ronald Pinto & Fly, Mr. Walter D’Almeida & Fly and Mr. Leo Rodrigues & Fly. Also thanked all members who have put up hard work for organizing such a beautiful celebrations including arranging new corn and snacks to the entire crowd attended the celebrations.

 

 

He then called upon Wilfred Fernandes for bringing out CD of the hymns and he was honoured with a floral bouquet and thanked him for his efforts and all who have participated by singing the hymns. He once again stressed all members to buy the new CD to help out with the construction of the church building. He also thanked Choir group and Sound system arranged by Broadway Even Management Company.

 

KCO President Mr. Valerian D’Almeida spoke on the occasion and Felicitated Fr. Valerian Fernandes with a flower bouquet. The konkani choir group rendered melodious hymns throughout the celebrations. All the hymns of the CD were sung by Choir group at the end of the ceremony and a brief Video Presentation was also held promoting the CD.