Monthi Fest by USWAS UAE
Photography by Roshan Clod, Report by Vilma Saldanha
Dubai, Sep 10: “Thy birth, O Virgin Mother of God, heralded joy to the
entire world. For from thou hast risen the Son of justice, Christ our God.”
UAE’s St Mary's Welfare Association of Shirva (USWAS) celebrated the Monthi Fest
or Nativity Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary at The Karama Hotel in Tantra
Banquet Hall on Friday September 9 under the leadership of President Mr. Canute
D’souza.
About 200 Shirva Parishners were gathered to
celebrate the Monthi fest. Mr.Roshan Menezes the Master of the ceremony briefed
the gathering about the importance of Monthi Fest. A warm welcome was addressed
to the gathering by the President Mr.Canute D’souza. Best wishes and blessings
from Shirva Priest Rev.Fr.Stany Tauro for all the parishners in Dubai was
announced.
The traditional celebration commenced with a procession headed by native Shirva
Parishners Mrs.Florine Barboza and Christine Tauro who carried the statue of
infant Mary along with ‘blessed Novem’, which was specially flown from Shirva
parish from Paul’s paddy field for the occasion. Prayer to worship Mother Mary
was led by Mr.Lesly Saldanha and Lavina Tauro followed by offering flowers by
children, young and elders while singing the hymns ‘Sakkad Sangatha Mellyam &
Moriyek Hogolsiam’. Blessed Novem mixed in milk was served to all. Children were
offered with sweets and gifts. The Message of the day was given to all by very
Rev.Fr.Vincent Periera from shirva now serving at Canada. He said that, “The
devotees of Mother Mary are protected in her arms at all times”.
USWAS thanked Mr.Francis Lobo, DGM of Karama hotel
for his support extended towards us. Flower bouqet were presented to our guest
of honor Very Rev Fr. Vincent Periera and Fr.J.B.Crasta and sponsors
The cultural programme commenced with an electrifying dance performance from
Michole D'Souza on the number” Laila O Laila and Monica oh my Darling”. Ginelle
performed on the most happening song “Jalebi Bai”. Foot tapping Performance on
the Number Double Dhamal and Character Dheela hai was given by Vilma Saldanha,
Josna Martis and Boskyambyagar group. Joy Almeida,Prashant Sequiera and Uttam
Menezes entertained the crowd with some wonderful Konkani songs supported by
Arun Carlo with his excellent music.
Sharan D’Souza, Denis Mathias, Cloud D'Lima , Denis Gomes,Canute Dsouza,Vilma
Saldanha, Josna Martis and Vanita Menezes performed short comedy skits and dance
acts like Bailani marle, Amar Akbar Anthony, Original- Duplicate, Mhaka Zai
which left the audience thoroughly entertained.
Various spot games were efficiently conducted for kids and adults by Mr.Roshan
Menezes the Master of Ceremony .A sumpcious traditional vegetarian meal and vorn
was served to all. The programme concluded with a rocking baila on the dance
floor. The gathering made all the Shirva members to feel the united family bond
yet again.
