Monthi Fest celebrated at Our Lady of Rosary Church Qatar

Report & Pictures by Victor DSouza, Doha
Bellevision Media Network

Doha, 09 September 2010: Sokkad sangatha melyan, sokkad laagi saryan... in this hymn’s true meaning, the Konkani Speaking Community (KSC) came together, singing praises in celebration of the Nativity Feast of our Holy Mother Mary at the Catholic Church of our Lady of the Rosary, Doha Qatar, on Wednesday 08 September 2010, ushering the annual Monthi Fest festivity.

 

The Fest Mass in Konkani at 05.30 pm was con-celebrated by guest priest Rev. Fr. Santhosh Rodrigues (Director – Family Life Service Centre, Diocese of Mangalore) along with Spiritual Director Rev. Fr. Anand Castelino and Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Peter. Earlier the Konkani Speaking Community had organized 9 days Novena from 30 August to 07 September.

 

During the mass, Fr. Peter blessed the new paddy corn. Fr. Santhosh was the preacher for the Novenas throughout these 9 days. Children along with elders carried baskets of flowers and splashed them on Mary’s statue singing "Moriek Hogolsian". During the novenas and on fest mass Fr. Santhosh gave an inspiring message and he enlightened everyone on the life of Mary and her many good virtues. Melodious singing Konkani choir lead by Veena Rebimbus Pais, rendered beautiful Hymns throughout the mass and was greatly appreciated by all the attendees.

 

 

After the Fest Mass Fr. Anand thanked Fr. Peter for making the provision for the celebration of Monthi Fest and joining the community in the celebration. He also praised the committee members for organizing the celebrations and also the novenas. Secretary of KSC Mrs. Riana Pinto called upon the sponsors of nevenas, feast and murdoms on the altar to collect the momentos and candles from Fr. Peter.

 

Ekvott Bulletin was released by Fr. Santhosh along with Fr. Peter, Fr. Anand and Editor of the Ekvott Bulletin Mr. Eddie Sequeira. This bulletin consisted of messages from Fr. Peter, Fr. Santhosh, Fr. Anand, the Editor, President & Committee Members of KSC. Also included in the bulletin were the beautiful articles and poems on the theme of Mother Mary in Konkani by Manglorean and Goan Konkani speaking community residing in Doha and various news of the community in pictures.

 

 

President of KSC Mrs. Veena Rebimbus Pais thanked Fr. Santhosh for coming to Doha and preaching throughout the novenas and fest mass. She also thanked every one who made this celebration possible including the persons who arranged the new paddy corn from India for this occasion. Fr. Peter conveyed greetings of the Monthi Fest to all the parishenors and praised the Konkani community for celebrating the feast and thanked every one who contributed to make this occasion successful. Fr. Santhosh thanked for giving him the opportunity to come to Doha and meet the parishenors here.

 

It was then time to move towards the newly built grotto. All children along with elders assembled before the grotto and offered the flowers to Mother Mary singing Moriek Hogolsian. The celebration concluded with the distribution of blessed paddy corn, cakes and juice.

 

The Noven Jevan and Cultural Program will be celebrated on Thursday from 06.00 pm to 09.00 pm at Seraphic Hall, in Church premises.