Sharjah: Monthi Fest Celebrations at St. Michaels Church with Fervour, Cultural show and Fellowship
By Valerian Alva
Bellevision Media Network
Sharjah, 07 Sep 2012: The Konkan Community of Sharjah St.Michaels Church celebrated the Feast Nativity on Thursday, 6 September 2012 with religious fervour, traditional cultural show and fellowship. More than 2000 strong community members joined hands together to celebrate the feast which is widely known as ‘Monthi Fest’.
Leading up to the feast day, a 9 days novena including 3 days of Konkani spiritual retreat was arranged by the Prayer group and konkan community. Fr.Dolphy Serao, the capuchin priest who came from Mangalore left no stone unturned to keep the community members in prayers and spiritual wellness.
On Thursday, 6th September 2012, the event started with showering of flowers by children at the grotto of Mother Mary. Fr.Dolphy Serao led the prayer ceremony and the children showered the flowers to the tune of ‘Sokkod Sangatha Melyaan’. Later the children and the celebrant priests along with altar boys entered main church hall for the holy mass.
Holy mass was co-celebrated by the guest priest Fr.Dolphy Serao, Parish Priest of Sharjah Church Fr.Annie Xavier, Konkan Community spiritual director Fr.Rodson and resident priest Fr.Felicio. Lancy Carlo & Ramiro Mascarenhas lead the choir during the mass and nearly 2500 community members attended this mass.
After the holy mass, snacks were distributed to the gathering while the stage was set for the much awaited cultural program. Emcee of the evening Mr.Godwin D’Souza took the stage at 8.30 pm and welcomed the gathering to start the cultural proceedings. Prayer song was sung by the young singers. Then it was the time for facilitating the sponsors who had contributed to the feast. Mr.Alfred D’Souza of Ornate Real Estate, Mr.John Menezes & Mr.Franky Lobo of Galaxy Star Mechanical works, Mr. Jochim Menezes of Felix Security Systems were felicitated by Fr.Annie Xavier.
Parish Priest Fr.Annie Xavier thanked the community members for their support in church activities. Fr.Dolphy Serao blessed the new corn mixed in milk and same was distributed to the gathering. SMMKC leader Mr.Uttam Menezes thanked the priests, community leaders and the sponsors for their support while Louis D’Souza delivered vote of thanks.
A religious skit depicting birth of Mother Mary was enacted by the prayer group members. Nisha Lobo & Melwyn D’Souza sang ‘Suryo Budon’ Konkani duet melodiously while Uttam Menezes & Preema D’Souza rendered another popular Konkani number ‘Chintnaan Sobdaan Kornen’ to the much appreciation of crowd. The young Steve & group enthralled the crowd with two group dances. ‘Sangon Mugdaana’ artists Pradeep Barboza & Deepak along with prayer group artists enacted two comical skits. The program was ended with fellowship.