New Delhi, 21 Sep 2016: Kanara Cultural Association (KCA) organized 3 events: celebration of Monti Fest, convening annual general body meeting and staging of 70th show Konkani popular play, Mataro Chorbela of veteran theater artiste Francis Fernandes Cascia, here on Sunday September 11.
The grand celebration of Monti Fest started with carrying flowers in procession sing the Konkani hymn, Sakkad Sangata Melyan, by children and adults at the grotto of Mother Mary on Sunday at 9:00am.
Fr Vincent Crasta led the prayer ceremony at the grotto and all showered flowers to Mother Mary to the tune of ‘Moriyek Hogollsiyan.’ The traditional ‘new crop’ was blessed at the grotto followed by blessing of candles at the grotto of Mother Mary at Sacred Heart Cathedral here.
Archbishop Emeritus Vincent M Concessao was the main celebrant of the Holy Mass in Konkani and concelebrated by Fr Vincent Crasta, Fr Nelson Tellis, Fr Roshan, Fr Chetan Machado, Fr Victor D’Souza and Fr Paul Serrao.
The newly-ordained priest in his homily, mentioning 2 women – Eve and Mother Mary’s role in our life, highlighted the importance of respect to the girl child and women empowerment and also stressed on the importance of family life.
Melodious choir was led by Anisha Mathias and Arun Veigas group during the Holy Mass which was much appreciated and applauded by the entire gathering.
Novem was distributed to the gathering after the Mass followed by breakfast.
After the tea break, KCA president Lydia Almeida chaired the annual general body meeting.
The core Committee comprising president Lydia D’Almeida, Elias Pinto, Donald D’Souza, Martin Pinto, Lancy Lobo, Vincent Menezes, Leena Lobo and other members strived to organize the events meticulously.
The senior priest Fr Victor D’ Souza and Congress MP Oscar Fernandes honored Francis Fernandes Cascia, popular dramatist, comedy king and the playwright of ‘Mataro Chorbela,’ and director Joy Paladka by draping a shawls, presenting flower bouquets and mementoes.
All the artistes of the play were also honored with mementoes on the occasion.
Francis Fernandes thanked the organizers in acknowledging his talent.
The delicious lunch was served to everyone.
The drama started after that. Though skits are performed in Delhi by people, this was the first time that a Konkani drama that too by playwright Francis Fernandes Cascia created history here. The audience with wide eyes watched the drama spell-bound, enjoying the comedy.
Francis Fernandes Cascia and the whole team of ‘Mataro Chorbela’ expressed their heartfelt thanks to the officer bearers, Committee and all the members of Kanara Cultural Association, New Delhi for their welcome, hospitality, respect and care and wish them every success.