On a recent Saturday, the Konkani Community Association UK gathered more than 600 members from across Britain and the Republic of Ireland to celebrate the 22nd Monthi Fest at The Wythenshawe Forum in Manchester. The event honoured the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the traditional Novem harvest blessing, drawing families from Manchester, Warrington, Liverpool, Nottingham, Sunderland, Dublin and other locales.
Organisers chose the theme “Stewards of Planet Earth” to weave environmental responsibility into every aspect of the day. Hall decorations featured recycled materials, the menu highlighted locally sourced vegetarian Mangalorean dishes, and a waste‑segregation system guided attendees toward proper recycling.
The liturgy opened with the veneration of Infant Mary and a floral tribute led by children singing the Konkani hymn “Moriek Hogolxieam.” Fr Jason Pias, a Capuchin priest from St Anthony’s Church, Bannur, Puttur, who is currently pursuing doctoral research in Germany, celebrated Holy Mass. Gina Menezes offered reflections, Shalma Fernandes read a passage, and Fr Pias delivered a homily linking Mother Mary’s role in families to the community’s duty to nurture the earth.
A traditional offertory procession presented fruits, vegetables, bread and wine, symbolising the season’s bounty. The KCA UK choir, under Choir Master Stan Mendonca with support from Ajith Peter D’Souza and Mukesh Kannan, led the congregation in several Konkani hymns. The Liturgy Committee coordinated the service, while Bishop Mark Davis of the Diocese of Shrewsbury granted permission for the Mass at the venue.
Following the liturgy, participants shared Novem Jevon – blessed milk and a homemade cake prepared by Jyothi Mendonca. The cultural programme, hosted by Praveen Mendonca and Mackly Figreda, showcased dances choreographed by Sonal Mendonca, Sinol Mendonca and Neil Lasrado, featuring children from Manchester and a group that travelled from Dublin.
KCA UK President Sujith Rodrigues welcomed the gathering, urging greater unity and cooperation for the community’s future growth. Vice‑President Joseph Santhosh Sequeira, Treasurer Ronald Lobo, General Secretary Lawrence Vinod Barboza, Cultural Secretary Sonal Mendonca and Communications Coordinator Vinjoy Rego were also on the dais, alongside Fr Pias, MUKA President Deepak Alvares and NEKA President Hazel Rodrigues.
The afternoon concluded with a hearty vegetarian Mangalorean lunch organised by hospitality leads Martin Saldanha, Jyothi Mendonca and Ronald Lobo, reinforcing the day’s message of stewardship through shared food and mindful waste management.
Image: mangalorean.com
📰 Source: Mangalorean Gulf