Media Release
Canada, Sep 16, 2010 : The feast day of the nativity of Our Lady represents a new life, a new presence and brings us innumerable favors. September 8th is also celebrated as a thanksgiving harvest festival in Mangalore wherein parishes bless the newly harvested grain and distribute it to parishioners. This grain is added to milk and drunk before a festive vegetarian meal symbolizing the new harvest is eaten with great enthusiasm.
The Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) in association with Canara World Foundation Inc. (CWF) celebrated the birth of our Virgin Mary and the harvest festival with sincere devotion and a quiet splendor in the midst of 450 devoted Catholics on September 12, 2010 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Mississauga.
Young children with their bowls of beautiful flowers eagerly yet devoutly placed flowers in honor of Mother Mary to the accompaniment of "Sokkad Sangatha Melyan" and "Moriyek Hogolsiyan". The novena was conducted by Gerry D'Mello. The Konkani mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Edwin D'Souza, Pastor of Sts. Martha and Mary Church; Rev. Fr. Henry Alva, Rev. Fr. Andrew Lewis, Rev. Fr. Richard Lobo and Deacon Rev Sarfaraz Pinto. Fr Edwin D'Souza commended the good works of Deacon Sarfaraz Pinto in a short speech. The melodious choir conducted by Merlyn Rodrigues accentuated the service. The Monthi Fest service was made memorable with the Honor Guard led by the Knights of Columbus.
The emcee for the evening, Mr. Gerry D'Mello commenced the program with his welcome and announcements and introduced Maxim D'Mello, the President of MAC. Maxim D'Mello, in his attention grabbing speech gave salutation to Mandd Sobhann Gurkar Eric Ozario who was visiting from Mangalore. Mandd Sobhann President Louis Pinto, also on his maiden visit to Canada was fervently welcomed by the President of Canara World Foundation, Max Mendes. Both Eric Ozario and Louis Pinto made this tremendous journey to Canada to present a "Vovllik" or Curtain Raiser to the Konkani community at the Monthi Fest for the First World Konkani Cultural Convention to be held in Mangalore. A truly auspicious beginning for the convention!
True to its mandate, MAC continued with the Konkani classes this summer 4 students, Lawrentina and Clementina D'Souza, Nishant D'Mello and Cassandra D'Cunha were presented with a certificate of participation. Lawrentina D'Souza vocalized her experience in the Konkani language. This was followed by the awarding of the "MAC Scholarship" for the academic year 2010-2011 to a highly deserving first time entrant to university. The recipient of this prestigious scholarship was Nicole D'Mello, an outstanding student, competitive sportsperson and a dedicated volunteer worker. Conducted by Janet D'Souza, the scholarship was awarded by Gurpreet Singh Bedi, Head Business Development and Operations, UAE Exchange Canada Inc. The $500 scholarship was generously sponsored by UAE Exchange Canada Inc. Reginald and Mary Fernandes, EC member and ardent MAC supporters pledged their sponsorship with a $250 scholarship award.
The Novemn ceremony, the traditional drinking of milk with the new grain was conducted by the emcee with the dignitaries, clergy and guests participating enthusiastically. The sponsors were applauded for their spirit of giving and a blessed candle was given to each in appreciation for their kindness and support. Grace was conducted and dinner was announced. Konkan Delite catered a traditional all-vegetarian meal with the highlight of the meal being the delicious "Pathravade" and the sumptuous dessert, 'Vorn'. The guests commended the quality and taste of the authentic meal.
Dinner was followed by a scintillating cultural program, compered by Leo Rego and Ronald Monteiro with a myriad of talented artists dancing, singing and acting. There were traditional Indian dances, Bollywood mania with some very popular English songs providing entertainment to the guests. The mini skits and jokes were entertaining and well received by the audience. Eric Ozario performed along with the talented local artistes and provided them with the encouragement and impetus necessary to continue the use of our mother tongue, Konkani and keep it alive for generations to come. Our local artistes chose a number of songs composed by Eric Ozario and performed in accompaniment to them. The music was well complemented by DJ, John Sylvan.
Sponsorships play a major role in the success of every function. MAC takes this opportunity to thank each and every one of our sponsors who contributed generously and gave voluntarily to Monthi Fest. Our sponsors were: UAE Exchange Canada Inc., Ronald and Dorothy Rego, Frank and Clara Serrao, Reginald and Mary Fernandes, Doris Saldanha, Oswald Saldanha, Fr. Muller's Charitable Foundation, Peter D'Souza, Ronald Fernandes, Edmund Pereira, Maxim D'Mello, Maxim Mendes, Ravi Fernandes, Wilson D'Souza, Jacinto DeSouza, Flavian Pinto, Kevin D'Souza, Vijay Dante and Martin Menezes.
MAC and CWF appreciates the participation and help of all the volunteers and the dedication and commitment of its members who ensured the astounding success of the Monthi Fest.