More than 600 members of the Konkani community from across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland recently gathered in Manchester for the Konkani Community Association UK's (KCA UK) 22nd Monthi Fest. The annual celebration, held at The Wythenshawe Forum, honoured the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and marked the blessing of the new harvest, known as Novem.
The celebration, themed "Stewards of Planet Earth," seamlessly blended faith, Konkani traditions, and cultural displays with a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility. This commitment manifested in the venue's decorations, food arrangements, and dedicated waste-management initiatives. Families from cities like Manchester, Warrington, Liverpool, Nottingham, Sunderland, and Dublin converged for the event.
Proceedings commenced with the veneration of Infant Mary and the traditional blessing of the new harvest. Children, clutching flowers, joined the faithful in offering floral tributes while singing the traditional Konkani hymn, "Moriek Hogolxieam." Fr Jason Pias, a Capuchin priest from St Anthony's Church, Bannur, Puttur, currently pursuing doctoral studies in Germany, officiated the Holy Mass. Gina Menezes delivered insightful reflections, and Shalma Fernandes performed a reading. During his homily, Fr Pias proclaimed the Gospel and elaborated on Mother Mary's pivotal role within the family, stressing the importance of acknowledging divine blessings and cultivating beauty and goodness in both family and community life. He encapsulated his message with the profound words: "God blesses us; Mother Mary beautifies us." A symbolic offertory procession, featuring fruits, vegetables, bread, and wine, represented the harvest's abundance. The KCA UK choir, under the direction of Choir Master Stan Mendonca and supported by Ajith Peter D'Souza and Mukesh Kannan, guided the congregation through traditional Konkani hymns. The KCA UK Liturgy Committee meticulously coordinated the liturgy. KCA UK also extended gratitude to Bishop Mark Davis of the Diocese of Shrewsbury for granting permission to hold the Holy Mass at the chosen venue.
Following the Mass, attendees shared Novem Jevon, which included blessed milk and homemade cake prepared by Jyothi Mendonca. Praveen Mendonca and Mackly Figreda served as Masters of Ceremonies for the subsequent cultural programme. This segment showcased performances by children, adults, and guest associations. A semi-classical welcome dance by KCA UK girls, choreographed by Sonal Mendonca, opened the programme. Junior children presented a dance choreographed by Sinol Mendonca, while Sonal Mendonca and Neil Lasrado directed an energetic performance by senior children, including youngsters who had travelled from Dublin.
KCA UK President Sujith Rodrigues welcomed the assembly, advocating for enhanced unity and cooperation to ensure the community's continued growth. Dignitaries present included KCA UK Vice-President Joseph Santhosh Sequeira, Treasurer Ronald Lobo, General Secretary Lawrence Vinod Barboza, Cultural Secretary Sonal Mendonca, and Communications Coordinator Vinjoy Rego. Fr Jason Pias, Deepak Alvares (President of Mangalorean United Konkani Association – MUKA), and Hazel Rodrigues (President of North East Konkani Association – NEKA) also attended. A traditional vegetarian Mangalorean lunch was served to all participants, with the hospitality team, led by Martin Saldanha, Jyothi Mendonca, and Ronald Lobo, overseeing the arrangements. The event concluded, having successfully reinforced its environmental message through careful waste management.
Image: mangalorean.com
đź“° Source: Mangalorean Gulf