Sep 08: Over 200 South Asian and specially Mangalorean origin people living in Calgary celebrated the much loved event 'Nativity – Monti Fest' on September 08th, 2017 at St. Thomas More Church, NE, Calgary, Alberta.

Main celebrant for the mas was Fr John Pinto, OCD and other priests who concelebrated mass were Fr. Godwin Pinto, OCDof St. Thomas More parish and Fr. WilliamMonis of Assistant pastor of Bonaventure Parish.

Jerry Moras, liturgy coordinator welcomed church gathering and announced central theme of the liturgy “Birth of Mary is the happiness of Christian life”. In the Salvation plan Mary was chosen to be mother of Jesus. Hence, celebration of birth of Mary is of prime importance. As we celebrate family feast of the Blessed Mary who united us and make our families blessed. As we offer first fruits to the Lord and we thank him for we all gifts we received. Additionally, congregation prayed to Mother Mary, on her birthdayto intercede for us and bless us through Jesus our Lod, so that we could have unity, love and peace and tranquility to prevail through her grace.

During the homilyby Fr William Monies emphasized the Mary’s humility.Mother Mary played an important role in bringing salvation to this world through her Son, Jesus Christ. Mother cannot be replaced by anyone. Mother brings joy, great satisfaction and safety to kids. Mother brings joy and happiness in our lives. God blessedMary to be Mother of Jesus so that we could be saved. St. Mathews Gospel begins with genealogy of Jesus and that Jesus was born of Mary. Mother Mary was simple and humble women of Israel. Finally, Fr. Willian quoted Mother Teresa of Calcuttaon Mother Mary “The greatness of our Lady was in her humility. No wonder Jesus, who lived so close to her, seemed to be so anxious that we learn from him and from her but one lesson: to be meek and humble of heart”

Choir was led by Jerry Rodrigues and Fr. Godwin Pinto to the solemnity of the occasion.Guitarplayed by Danny Castelino, Drums by Stalin D’Cunha and other choir members are : Stevan, Lobo, Rackson Mathias, Jasmine D’Souza, Sunitha D’Cunha, Jane Dsouza, Dinika Mascarenhas, Divya Castelino, Elvira Dias and Margaret Mascarenhas.

As per tradition, after the mass the crowd followed to the parish hall with Mother Mary’s statue in procession. Children and adults offered flowers to Mary. Marian songs, Sokkod Sagatha Melya and Moreyek Hoggulsia was sung for Mother Mary.

Immediately after mass Fr. John Pinto blessed harvest or Novem (vorn) followed by non-stop entertainments by Calgary Konkons.

The Master of Ceremony of the day was Stalin Dcunha and Rumika Mascarnhas, they welcomed everyone.

Here is list of programs conducted to entertain the gathering:

• Namo Namo Moreaye : Rigel D’Cunha, Danika Lobo, Vidette Quadros, Renee Dias choreographed by Renita
• Chicken song : by choreographed by Susan. Clyde Nazareth, Joshua Dcruz, Angeline Alvares, Rihanna Lobo, Hazel Nazareth, Shiloh Durado and Faustine Dcruz.
• Vodli mai song : choreographed by Riana, Naomi Mendonce, Alden Dsouza, Aschel Dsouza, Valen Quadros, Vidette Quadros, Danika Frank and Regan Frank and Renee
• Kala Chashma: by Angeline Alvares, Neyola Rebello and Preemal Rebello
• Hindi Medley : Laveena D’Souza, Renita Frank and Rezni D’Souza
• Baila Dance : Rudolf D’Cunha and Sunitha D’Cunha
• Bachna ae Haseeno : choreographed by Kenneth Gabriel ; acted by Chris Gabriel and Stalin D’Cunha.
• Sweety Tera Drama : by Runika Mascarenhas.

The programme ended with Baila dance, followed by a vote of thanks offered by Stalin Dcunha and Rumika Mascarenhnas for all members of the Calgary Konkan community and in particularly :

For setting up of the hall by Rudy and Sunitha D’Cunha, Jerry Rodrigues, Natasha Dsouza, Albert Michael, Renwick Dsouza, Rackson Mathias and Stevan Lobo.

For Nove Javen catered by Anand Alavres and his team members, Henry Rebello, Melwin Tauro, Newton Rodrigues.The most important part of the program was the sumptuous and traditional Mangalorean delicacies which included vorn, rice, dhal-gosale curry, sambar, korumb, sango, benda, karathe, moong sukka, channa-tendli, pickle – 5 types and many others which was beautifully coordinated coordinated by Riana Mendonce and Elvira Dias.

For DGs of the day Stevan Lobo and Rackson Mathias.

Finally MC’s thanked, coordinating Liturgy by Fr. Godwin Pinto and Jerry Moras. Thanked reader Hazel and prayers of the faithful by Laveena D’Souza, Renita Frank, Divya Castelino, Dinika Mascarenhas, Michelle Lobo and Natasha Rodrigues.
The program wound down by Konkani masala dance. The event was a successful one, under the guidance and direction of Fr. John Pinto, OCD.

Again, Kudoos to everyone for getting together to make this celebration an enriching fellowship experience in true sense.