St Peter's Konkani Kutam (SPKK) celebrate Monthi
Fest
By Simon Lasrado
Bangalore, Sep 9: St Peter's Konkani Kutam (SPKK) celebrated Monthi Fest
(Nativity of our Blessed Virgin Mary), at St.Peter's Church, Rusthum Bhagh,Off
Old Airport Road,Bangalore on Thursday, September 8, with a grand Holy Mass in
Konkani at 8.30 am, to a crowded gathering of devotees.
Fr Praveen Pinto OCD(Carmalitte) celebrated the Holy
Mass. Before the Holy Mass, the honouring of Blessed Virgin Mary was held with
the children gathering around the statue of our beloved Mother Mary at the
entrance of the church. As the choir sang the beautiful Konkani hymn, 'Moriyek
hogolshiyam', the children showered beautiful flowers on Our dearest ‘Mother
Mary’. Fr Praveen Pinto held a small prayer service and this was followed by the
traditional blessing of the 'Novem' (new paddy), after which the Holy Mass
commenced.
After the Mass Secretary of SPKK Mrs.Matilda Lasrado proposed the vote of
thanks. Breakfast was served along with 'Novem' mixed with 'Coconut Milk’
outside the church. In true Mangalorean tradition, sugarcane was also
distributed to all those who attended the Mass.
The 'novem' was arranged by Capt Monis of Infant
Jesus Church,Viveknagar. Flowers for the altar and sugar cane were brought by
William D'Souza and Kevin Colaco. Flowers for the altar were contributed by
Felix Saldanha and Robert Lewis.Many members contributed generously towards the
expenses notably Mrs.Chitra Aiyappa a non Catholic, who decorated the vases in
the Church.The wonderful choir, which sang with so much enthusiasm throughout
the service, was conducted by Joe Mr.Vinod Mascarehnas and his dedicated team.
The President of SPKK Mr.Joachem Saldanha expressed his gratitude to all those
who contributed and actively took part in the celebration. On the whole, the
Monti Fest was celebrated by SPKK, Bangalore, in a very grand and traditional
way, with the support of all the members and their relatives
