Bahrain, 21 Sep 2015: When we feel sweet fragrance of flowers all over, hear the Marian Devotional hymns, see nature covering herself with dazzling green colour, we know that September is here. Celebrations far and wide to honor our Mama Mary on her and a great opportunity especially for families to come together and to be bonded – that’s our favorite Monti fest. Our little children beautify the glow of this feast by offering colorful flowers to Infant Mary and seek her blessings by taking part in the nine day Novenas.
Bellevision Bahrain family came together along with sponsors and well wishers on 18th, Friday afternoon at Papillon Banquet hall to celebrate the feast and uphold the tradition. Norbert Pinto, the master of ceremony started the event by reciting beautiful lines of Konkani putting together the importance of the day. President Ivan D’souza gave a warm welcome to the gathering. Naveen, Judith and Elroy Mendonca conducted the opening prayer.
The statue of Infant Mary was carried by the President followed by children with flowers in a procession and placed at the decorated crib. Fr. Freddy, the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church Bahrain offered prayers and then the flowers were showered upon Mary, while the members sang the hymn Moriyek Hogolsiyan. The tradition of bringing home the blessed Novem from Church and seeking elders blessings that is followed back home in Mangalore, was also followed here. Recently married couple Sharun and Sonia D’souza brought in the blessed corn, seeked the blessings of the elderly members and placed it at the crib. Few grains were peeled and added to the milk, which was given to the couple to drink. Blessed novem was served to all along with the homemade cake prepared by Naveen Mendonca.
As part of the entertainment, dances were performed by Nikitha, Ashel and Sophie while Rony Fernandes and Rony Martis sang beautiful Konkani songs. Rynal played the keyboard for all the hymns and Ashton played the DJ for the day.
Tasty vegetarian meal and vorn was served on the banana leaves. Sugarcane was distributed to all children.
Secretary Veera Noronha thanked each and everyone for their contribution in making this event grand and memorable.