Mumbai, Sept.16: MCA Pune celebrated Monthi Fest-2017 on September 10th 2017 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Pune. The Programme commenced with Rev Fr Baptist Pais blessing the new sheaves of paddy grain (Novem). The traditional hymns SakkadSangathaMelyan, MoriyekHogolsiyan resounded joyfully as the children and elders offered flowers to our beloved monthimai. The congregation then proceeded in a devout procession to the church followed by a solemn mass in Konkani. The main celebrants were Fr Abraham D’Souza, SVD, Fr. Baptist Pais, SVD and Fr NaveenRebello, SVD.

The homily delivered by Fr Naveen, was thought provoking; the main message being that theNovemJevann should lead to Novem Jeevan. It particularly tugged at the heart strings as he spoke about a mother’s love and the innumerable sacrifices that she makes for the sake of her children and family.

The church resonated with melodious singing by the MCA Konkani choir alongwith the Brothers of De Nobili College and Papal Seminary. Ms. Wilma Mendonca, thanked the clergy and the congregation for their devout participation in the Eucharistic service.

This was followed by a Cultural programme at the Eichstat Hall. The programme started with a procession led by Ms Daisy Lobo carrying Bambina Mary’s statue, followed by the couple dressed in traditional attire, the Chief Guest, Guests of Honour and the MCA President, Mr Patrick D’Souza, Secretary, Ms Edna Rodricks and Treasurer, Ms Linetta Rodrigues.

Mrs Stella and Mr. Philip Lobo welcomed the guests in the Mangalorean traditional way with Panpod and Udak (beetel leaf and water).
MCA was blessed to have the Bishop Emeritus of Poona, Rt. Rev. Valerian D’Souza at the function who began the function with a special invocation and blessing on the congregation.

Ms. Judith Menezes welcomed the Chief Guest Mr Francis OliveiraPadukone, and the other guests of honour Rev. Fr. AbrahamD’souza, Fr. Baptist Paisand Fr. Wilfred Fernandes.

Theguests of honour were presented with saplings. It was an honour to have His Lordship Rev. Thomas Dabre, Bishop of Pune join the guests on Stage. He appreciated the efforts taken by MCA in bringing all families together. He delivered a powerful message that the need of the hour was for the Konkani community to unite together to fight against the atrocities against the minorities.

Mr Patrick D’souza, MCA President addressed the gathering with special emphasis on the vision and mission of MCA and thanked the guests. Mr. Francis Oliveira Padukonethe Chief Guest delivered a magnetic speech.

Some important people who had contributed to the growth of MCA were felicitated. Mr. Philip Lobo, Ms. Carmin Pereira, Mr. Richard Lobo,Ms. FelcyKarmokar, Ms Irene Kuri, Mr John Carvalho and Mr. Aloysious Pereira were presented with mementos and saplings. Mr Benjamin Mathias, Mr. Harry Lobo and Ms. Edna Rodricks were honoured for their selfless contribution to the MCA.

A melodious song ‘MoriyechoBhagiZalmadis’ was sung by MCA ladies alongwith the Brothers JoysonSujay Vas, Joel Roshan Fernandes, Kiran Lima, Nitin Monteiro, Don Prem Lobo and Lancy Sunil Secundas.

The tiny tots and the young teens put up beautiful dance programme choreographed by Senorita Rodricks andJoviaKarmokar. There was a rib tickling comedy skit ‘BebdyachiKaani’ played out by Mr.Benjamin Mathias and Mr Nishanth Dsouza.

The guests of honour gave away gifts to all the participants of the dance programmes and skit.

Mr. Francis Oliveira Padukonefelicitated the students who have passed various final Examinations in 2017. Mr. AloysiousSaldanha handed over financial aid sponsored by Fr. SudhirD’souza, IHRD, Bangalore to Ms. Clarita Soares and Mr. Antony Paste.

The event was beautifully compered by Ms. Judith Menezes& Ms. Veena Pereira. The Cultural Secretary Ms. SunithaD’souza, thanked the audience which also included a good number of religious nunsfor making this Monthi Fest a joyful and a successful event and to all the members who worked directly or indirectly for the success of this program. The cultural program concluded with the singing of “Laudate Dominum.” Fr. Abraham D’Souza blessed the NovenJevann. Mr. LancyD’Souza along with the MCA members kept the audience enthralled and in high spirits with their foot tapping konkani medley songs(mando). The Assembled guests were served a delicious fellowship meal NovemJevannand not to forget the sweet Kobu (sugarcane)