Doha: The Konkani Speaking Community (KSC) of Our Lady of Rosary Church came together to celebrate the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, otherwise known as the “Monthi Fest”, at the church premises on the evening of September 8.
As a matter of fact, the Monthi Fest is one of the most awaited celebrations by the KSC of Doha, which mostly comprises of Konkani speaking people from Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra. It is also one of the most awaited days for the Mangalorean expats working and living in the oil-rich country of Qatar.
The KSC of Qatar is perhaps one of the most vibrant and devoted communities of the region and this was on full display on September 8 as the community joined together and celebrated the Monthi Fest with Novem Jevann.
In preparation for the festal mass, a nine-day Novena was held from August 30 till the Monthi Fest by visiting priest Fr Clifford Fernandes, of the Mangalore Diocese who currently serves as a Spiritual Director at St Joseph’s Seminary, Mangaluru. He took the devotees on a spiritual journey during the nine days with his powerful and touching reflections on the Word of God.
The solemn festal mass was celebrated by Fr. Clifford Fernandes while Fr Anand Castelino, spiritual director of the KSC, was the concelebrant.
In his homily Fr. Clifford stressed on the importance of family and family life and exhorted the devotees to put in their best efforts in preserving and nourishing family bonds by taking the example of Mother Mary’s life.
Mr. Felix Lobo and his family were the ‘pirjent’ for the Monthi Fest 2018 celebration. Earlier the ‘pirjent’ as well as the sponsors of each day of the novena, and those who contributed their bit in making it a meaningful celebration were presented with a ‘manachivaat’ (Honour Candle)
Melodious Konkani hymns were sung by St Cecelia’s Choir from Mangaluru and were the highlight of the celebration. The new corns brought in from Mangaluru were blessed and distributed to the devotees after the mass.
A small programme was conducted by KSC after the mass in which all parishioners actively participated. Parish priest Fr. Rally Gonzaga was the chief guest of the occasion. Fr Clifford Fernandes was felicitated during the programme, on behalf of the Konkani Community Qatar, while Felix Lobo and Steffny Lobo were also felicitated by the chief guest.
KSC president Vivian Dsouza proposed the vote of thanks. Reena Castelino compered the event.
The grand festal celebration came to an end with a vegetarian family dinner.
