Report by Janet D’souza
Photographs by Ivan Lobo
COVID-19 is one of the most calamitous threats the world
has ever experienced or faced. The world
and its people plunged into depths of despair, unbearable loss, perilous uncertainty,
and crisis. And yet, amidst these
cataclysmic times, we saw strong signs of hope, resilience, solidarity, and a
need for togetherness.
One such beacon of hope is the Mangalorean Association of
Canada (MAC). Recognizing the need for a community to come together to
celebrate new beginnings and a new normal, MAC, with renewed vigor and
enthusiasm and within the parameters of the pandemic health guidelines, celebrated
Monthi Fest Mass on September 12, 2021 at St Maximilian Kolbe Parish,
Mississauga. Monthi Fest or the Nativity
of our Lady has been an integral celebration in our lives, evoking wistful
memories and nostalgia of a rich tradition and solemn customs such as blessing
of the rice grains, aromatic fresh flowers, organic vegetables and families bonding
over a vegetarian meal.
John D’Souza, our versatile Cultural Coordinator, welcomed
the gathered congregation and summarized the flow of the religious
ceremonies. Gerry D’Mello, an ardent
supporter of MAC officiated the traditional, visually eye-catching flower offering
ritual. Young children, each carrying a
beautiful flower walked in a procession and placed their offering in honour of
Mother Mary to the resonating tunes of “Sokkod Sangatha Mellyam” and “Moriyek
Hogolsiyan”. The main celebrant of the Mass,
Fr. Roshan D’Souza, transported the faithful to the days of their youth in
hometowns in India simply by virtue of his poignant yet commanding voice. Fr. Henry Alva, with his impassioned homily
filled us with hope for a better future and spiritual enlightenment. Fr.
Andrew Lewis and Deacon Sarfraz Pinto were co-celebrants of this Mass. The melodious choir, led by the supremely
talented Merlyn Rodrigues, sang from the depths of their hearts thrilling every
single listener with their melody and arrangements.
Our sponsors are our pillars, our source of encouragement
and motivation. Their sponsorship helps
to sustain and fund numerous community activities and events. The Mass Muddhom was offered by Vincent and
Prescilla Machado and family who are and continue to be committed supporters of
MAC. Numerous sponsors stepped forward without
hesitation and generously championed Monthi Fest and contributed both towards
the Mass and the scholarship awards. As
a gesture of respect and appreciation to our sponsors, MAC distributed blessed
candles to all the sponsors.
MAC unequivocally agrees that education is of paramount
importance in developing a global perspective, building and articulating opinions,
shaping new technologies and exploring opportunities beyond imagination. The
youth of our community are our legacy and an investment in this legacy is immeasurable. The MAC Scholarship Program awards two first
year entrants into university or college a sum of money based on several criteria
such as academics, extra curricular activities, volunteer work, awards, and
work experience. The 2021 winners of the
Scholarship Program were Seneca Rego and Jane D’Souza, both incredibly talented
youngsters with a great and bright future.
Seneca Rego was awarded CAD 1000 and the award was presented by Flavian
and Miriam Pinto. Jane D’Souza was
awarded CAD 500 and the award was presented by Reginald and Mary Fernandes.
The Monthi Fest Mass ended with the distribution of
Novenm to all families, chocolates for the children and light refreshments for
all attendees. Our sincere appreciation
to the committee members, their families and the selfless volunteers who came
together in camaraderie and harmony demonstrating the power of hope, courage,
perseverance, and community spirit.
Click below for pictures:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/kMpiwMStprEyxViSA