Mumbai, September 10: Under the joint auspices of St John Konkani Community (SJKS) and Missionary Families of Christ, Mother Mary's birth anniversary 'Monti Fest 2023' was celebrated with great gaiety by performing thanksgiving Mass at Saint John Evangelist Chruch, Marol, Andheri East. Parish priest of SJE Church, Rev. Fr. Daniel Fernandes was main celebrant for mass and blessed the gathered devotees. He blessed the new paddy fields, crops and vegetables offered by the farmers. Rev Fr. Anthony J. Fernandes was the co celebrant.

After the mass honoring our Blessed Mother Mary with the flowers in procession by all the children in the school hall. Later, traditional and cultural programs were conducted the community.

The programme started by prayer of Rev Fr. Anthony J. Fernandes. Rev. Fr. Daniel Fernandes, Rev. Fr. Andrew Mukadam, Rev. Fr. Suresh Thokala, Sr. Victoria (Principal of St. John the Evangelist High School, Sr. Rani, Sr. Maggie, Deacon Alton Extros, Brother Dekshith and Rev. Fr. Herold Quadros (Spiritual Director of St. John Konkani Samudai) were present on occasion.

Prize distribution to(Winners and participants of the Konkani Natak Sabha, Mangalore, Konkani Association Charitable Trust,Mumbai and Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Maharashtra - Talent contest) and Renisha Fernandes, Jelena Lobo, Lenisha D'souza, Declan Carvalho, Aidan Carvalho, Andrea Soares, Angelina D'souza, Ivanica Pinto, Janet Amolik, Joela Yalangi, Eljita D'sa Kemuel Saldana, Neil Barretto, Reuben Soares, Joshua Fernandes, Edwin Augustine and Sunita Soares. Prashant Serrao, Bidisha Alvares.

President Sunita Soares, Vice Presidents Hilda Pereira and Jessy Fernandes, Honorary Secretary Wilson Pinto, Joint Secretary John Lobo, Treasurer Thelma D’Sa, Joint Treasurer Jaya Veera Monteiro, Legal Advisor Lawrence D'souza Managing Committee Members Edwin Augustine Soares, Mary Agapito Fernandes, Thomas Pereira, James Prakash D’sa, Alice Baptist D’souza, Claudy Francis Monteiro, . Gretta Dannis Dsilva, Hilda Victor Mathias, Ida Wilson Pinto, Leena Walter Lasrado, Violet Aulis Lobo, Stephen Lewis, Prema Pramila Yalangi were present.

Edwin Augustin Soares welcomed the gathering. Stephen Louis and Shalini Louis couple welcomed traditionally by offering betel nut, betel leaves, jaggery-water. Bidisha Alvares hosted the program. Hon. Secretary Wilson Pinto delivered the vote of thanks. Members and children were entertained with group Dance, song, Folk Song, Skits, Games,etc.. At the end SJKS Spiritual Director Rev. Fr. Harold Quadrus said grace before meal blessed the Food. The festival ended with a pure vegetarian traditional meal.