Monthi Fest Celebrations In Pune

Pune : The Mangalorean Catholic Community of Pune City and its suburbs, under the aegis of "The Mangalorean Catholic Association (R) Pune", celebrated "Monthi Fest" with spontaneous gaiety and splendor on Sunday 13th September 2009 at Our Lady Consoler of the Afflicted Church, Pimpri, Pune 411 018.

The celebration commenced at 9.00 a.m. with the traditional blessing of the new paddy corn by Rev. Fr. Joe Mathias SJ, MCA Spiritual Advisor/Director NVSC, Pune, and showering of flowers at the grotto of our Blessed Mother by our little ones, followed by procession to the church to the accompaniment of "Sokkkod Sangata Melyan" and "Morieyek Hogoksiyam."

The main celebrant at the concelebrated Eucharistic Service was Rev. Fr.Deepak Noronha O. Praem. He was assisted by Rev. Frs. Joe Mathias SJ, Walter Saldanha, Asstt. Director NVSC, Pune and Leo D'Monte, OFM. The melodious choir was sung by our energetic young seminarians- members of the JVD Konkan Sabha and members of the MCA, Pune. Rev. Fr. Deepak preached a thought-provoking homily explaining the significance of our Blessed Mother's birthday in the everyday life of Christians and the importance of cultural heritage in our unique identity.

At the subsequent cultural get-together, Mr. Aloysius Saldanha, President, welcomed the gathering. Mr. Ronald Menezes read the annual activities report. The entertainment programme commenced with a prayer dance performed by Miss Senorita Rodricks. Miss Rosma Menezes and Miss Jovia Karmokar our talented budding artistes performed scintillating dances. The SVD seminarians of Pune, together with MCA members enacted a rib tickling mini Konkani play "Problema Voir Problem" written by Claude D'Souza, edited by Praveen Pinto and directed by Brother Maxim SVD. The play caused a laughter riot amongst the audience and was fully appreciated.

The Chief Guest of the day, Mr. Allen C.A. Pereira, CMD, Bank of Maharashtra, had words of appreciation to the Mangalorean Catholic Association, for their efforts in bringing together the scattered community members. Mrs. Evelyn Pereira gave away prizes to the meritorious students of the community and the performing artistes. Mr. Benjamin Mathias proposed a vote of thanks. The programme was ably compeered by our own inimitable Stephen Lobo.

Rev. Joe Mathias said grace over the "Novem Jevann". Thereafter the guests were served a sumptuous traditional vegetarian meal (novem jevann) and the crowd dispersed carrying with them sweet memories."

- Report by : H.R. LOBO, PUNE