Calgary, Canada: Over 140 South Asian and specially Mangalorean origin people living in Calgary celebrated the much loved event 'Nativity – Monti Fest' on 12 September 2015 at St. Thomas More Church, NE, Calgary, Alberta.

Main celebrant for the mas was Fr. Malcolm Dsouza and other priests who concelebrated were Fr. John Pinto, OCD and Fr. Godwin Pinto, OCD of St. Thomas More parish and Fr. Willaim Monis of Assistant pastor of Bonaventure Parish. Choir was led by Anthony & family, Steven, Raina, Jasmine, Wilson and others.

The celebration began with the blessing of Novem by Rev.Fr. Godwin Pinto along with the procession Mary’s status was taken to the church with singing “Sokkod Sangatha Melliam”. As per tradition children and grownups carried flowers in procession to the statute of our lady followed by a blessed harvest or novem.

During the homily by Rev Fr. John Pinto emphasized following Christ involves walking the path of suffering which is pattern for us after the example of his holy Mother Mary. With Peter we are called accept Jesus as the redeeming Savior. He concluded his homily in Konkani making the event relevant for the day.

After the mass the crowd gathered at the parish hall to participate in “Novem Jevchem”, cultural programs and entertainment.

The crowd was welcomed to the hall by Jerry Rodrigues in Konkani.

Prior to consumption Novem (vorn) Fr. William Monis said a prayer of blessing over food and Jerry Moras highlighted the meaning of Novem.

This year highlight of evening was the skit written and directed by Master Craig Martis on Our Lady of Vellankani. Craig and his team put great effort from recording, staging to presenting the show.

Signers Nikita Tauro, Viska Tauro, Jasmine D’Souza and Vincent Pinto entertained and engaged the crowd throughout the evening.

The most important part of the program was the sumptuous and traditional Mangalorean delicacies prepared and served by generous families in the community which included sonne, bhende, karathe, sango,channa rice, karom, vorne, lonchem etc.

Jerry Moras and Jerry Rodrigues were the comperes of Monti Feast in Calgary; Additionally as a fun activity first fruits and vegetables were auctioned and 50/50 game were conducted.

Finally, Fr. John Pinto offered vote of thanks for all involved to make this programme grand one.

The program wound down by Konkani masala dance. The event was a successful one under the guidance and direction of Fr. John Pinto, OCD.