ULF Celebrates Annual Day and Monthi Fest with Faith, Culture and Community Spirit
Dubai, UAE: United Loretto Friends (ULF) celebrated its Annual Day along with the traditional Monthi Fest on September 13 at the Grand Excelsior Hotel Hall, Bur Dubai. The celebration brought together ULF members, families, guests, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and well-wishers for a day filled with faith, fellowship, culture, and service.
The programme commenced at 11:30 a.m. and was compered by Mr. Floyd Moras, who welcomed the gathering and set the tone for the day’s celebrations.
Monthi Fest Celebration
The celebrations began on a devotional note with the Marian Choir presenting a selection of beautiful Marian hymns. Mr. Uttam Menezes led the singing, accompanied by Mr. Archilles Fernandes on the keyboard. Their melodious hymns and Konkani songs continued throughout the programme, adding a deeply spiritual and cultural dimension to the occasion.
The Monthi Fest celebration continued with a floral procession led by children, followed by the gathering. One by one, children and members came forward to offer flowers to Mother Mary and gathered around the stage.
A prayer ceremony was conducted under the leadership of Joint Secretary Mrs. Gleveena Aranha, after which everyone participated in the traditional offering of flowers to Mother Mary. The devotional celebration concluded with the traditional sharing of ‘Novem’ with milk, symbolising the spirit and traditions of Monthi Fest.
Annual Day Stage Programme
The formal stage programme was attended by distinguished guests, including Rev. Fr. Lancy Noel Rebello, Guest Priest of St. Francis of Assisi Church, Jebel Ali, and a native of Omzoor, as the Chief Guest; Mr. Anil Pinto, Chief Coordinator of the St. Michael Mangalorean Konkani Community, Sharjah; and Mr. Adith Lobo, Chief Coordinator of the Jebel Ali Konkani Community.
Also present were ULF President Mr. Donald Noronha, Secretary Mrs. Jevita Rodrigues, and former President Mr. Rupesh Pinto.
President Mr. Donald Noronha delivered the welcome address, followed by the felicitation of the guests with flower bouquets.
Secretary Mrs. Jevita Rodrigues presented the ULF Annual Report for 2025–26, highlighting the organisation’s activities, initiatives and contributions during the year.
Chief Guest Rev. Fr. Lancy Noel Rebello then addressed the gathering, sharing his experiences, wisdom and insights. His encouraging words emphasised the importance of unity, service and togetherness within the community.
Honouring Service and Commitment
As part of its commitment to recognising individuals who embody ULF’s motto of “Unity and Service,” the organisation honoured Mr. Ignatius Denis Dantis for his selfless service to the community and the Church.
Mr. Dantis has dedicated his life to serving the Church and is known for his kindness, humility and willingness to serve whenever needed. His commitment to helping others without expectation reflects the values that ULF strives to uphold.
He was honoured in the presence of his family with a Maanpatr (citation), shawl, peta, flowers and a fruit basket. The honour was presented by the distinguished guests and the President.
Mr. Dantis expressed his gratitude to the gathering and shared a few reflections from his life and years of service. ULF Treasurer Mr. Roy D’Souza read the Maanpatr, which paid tribute to Mr. Dantis’s dedicated service.
New Member Inducted and Cultural Programme
The Annual Day also marked the induction of a new member into the ULF team. Mr. Deril Avinash D’Souza-Hospet was warmly welcomed into the ULF family. His induction further strengthens the team and adds to ULF’s growing commitment to its vision of unity and service.
The celebrations then moved into a lively cultural segment, with ULF members and their families presenting a variety of performances.
Children of ULF members—Zidane, Katherine, Reesha, Prinston, Abney, Vianna, Zorion and Sanica—presented a lively and entertaining performance that was warmly appreciated by the audience.
This was followed by a captivating Carnatic fusion dance performance by Ms. Shanon Vas, who was applauded for her versatility and talent within the Konkani community.
The cultural segment concluded on a high note with an energetic performance by ULF members featuring popular Konkani songs, bringing the entire gathering together in celebration of their rich cultural heritage.
Ms. Preethi Seema D’Souza delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the celebration a memorable occasion.
Feast and Fellowship
The formal programme concluded with a final prayer and blessings over lunch by Rev. Fr. Lancy Noel Rebello.
Mr. Donald Noronha invited everyone to partake in the traditional feast by offering water to the chief guest, following which the Monthi Fest feast was served to all.
The celebrations continued with a lively Baila dance, as members and guests came together to enjoy the music and celebrate the bonds of friendship and community.
DJ Wilson added to the festive atmosphere with an energetic performance that drew members and guests to the dance floor. Mr. Lovelyn D’Mello ensured excellent sound throughout the event.
A Celebration of Unity and Service
The Annual Day and Monthi Fest celebration was more than an annual gathering; it was a celebration of the values that define ULF—faith, culture, unity, service, and community spirit.
The presence and continued support of ULF’s donors, volunteers, members, families, and well-wishers have been instrumental in its journey. Their participation and encouragement continue to strengthen ULF’s efforts to serve the community while preserving Konkani culture and traditions.
Founded in November 2019 in the UAE, United Loretto Friends (ULF) was established by like-minded youth from the Mangaluru and Udupi Dioceses, united by the core motto of “Unity and Service.”
Today, ULF has a dedicated 25-member committee committed to community, culture, and compassion. Through its CSR initiatives, ULF supports deserving individuals through educational assistance for underprivileged students, medical and housing support back home, and employment and visa assistance in the UAE.
The organisation also actively promotes and preserves Konkani traditions through cultural and fundraising initiatives, including its signature event, Konkan Udkana.
The 2026 Annual Day and Monthi Fest celebration concluded on a joyful note, leaving the participants with cherished memories and a renewed spirit of unity, faith, and service.
