KCA UK Celebrates 22nd Monthi Fest in Manchester
Manchester, UK: The Konkani Community Association UK (KCA UK) celebrated its 22nd Monthi Fest at The Wythenshawe Forum in Manchester, bringing together more than 600 members of the Konkani community from across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
The celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the blessing of the new harvest, known as Novem, brought together families from Manchester, Warrington, Liverpool, Nottingham, Sunderland, Dublin and other parts of the UK and Ireland.
Held under the theme “Stewards of Planet Earth,” the celebration combined faith, Konkani traditions, cultural programmes and environmental responsibility. The theme was reflected in the venue decorations, food arrangements and waste-management initiatives.
The day began with the veneration of Infant Mary and the blessing of the new harvest. Children carrying flowers joined the faithful in offering floral tributes during the traditional Konkani hymn, “Moriek Hogolxieam.”
The Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr Jason Pias, a Capuchin priest from St Anthony’s Church, Bannur, Puttur, who is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Germany. Gina Menezes delivered the reflections, while Shalma Fernandes gave a reading.
Fr Pias proclaimed the Gospel and delivered the homily, in which he reflected on Mother Mary’s role within the family and emphasised the importance of recognising God’s blessings and bringing beauty and goodness into family and community life. His message was summed up in the words, “God blesses us; Mother Mary beautifies us.”
A traditional offertory procession featuring fruits, vegetables, bread and wine symbolised the abundance of the harvest. The KCA UK choir, led by Choir Master Stan Mendonca and supported by Ajith Peter D’Souza and Mukesh Kannan, led the congregation in traditional Konkani hymns. The liturgy was coordinated by the KCA UK Liturgy Committee.
KCA UK extended its thanks to Bishop Mark Davis of the Diocese of Shrewsbury for granting permission to celebrate Holy Mass at the venue.
Following Mass, attendees shared Novem Jevon, consisting of blessed milk and homemade cake prepared by Jyothi Mendonca.
The cultural programme, hosted by Masters of Ceremonies Praveen Mendonca and Mackly Figreda, featured performances by children, adults and guest associations.
The programme opened with a semi-classical welcome dance by KCA UK girls, choreographed by Sonal Mendonca. Junior children performed a dance choreographed by Sinol Mendonca, while Sonal Mendonca and Neil Lasrado led an energetic performance by senior children, including youngsters who travelled from Dublin.
KCA UK President Sujith Rodrigues welcomed the gathering and called for greater unity and cooperation for the continued growth of the community.
Also present were 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, Mangalorean United Konkani Association (MUKA) President, and Hazel Rodrigues, President of the North East Konkani Association (NEKA), also attended.
A traditional vegetarian Mangalorean lunch was served to the attendees, with arrangements overseen by the hospitality team led by Martin Saldanha, Jyothi Mendonca and Ronald Lobo.
The environmental theme was reinforced through a waste-management initiative coordinated by Milton D’Souza and Vincent Dias, aimed at minimising food waste and maintaining cleanliness.
Adult members presented a dance choreographed by Stephi Martins and Preeval Saldanha, while guest performances by MUKA and NEKA highlighted the cooperation among Konkani associations across the UK.
A major attraction was the theatrical production “Guardians of God’s Creation,” written and directed by Priya D’Souza and Gina Menezes. The production conveyed a message on humanity’s responsibility to care for the environment.
The event was supported by a team of volunteers. Nishan Mendonca and Mackly Figreda managed the raffle draw with assistance from Anthony Mary Rodrigues, while auctions were conducted by Ravi Pinto with support from Mackly Figreda.
Tea and coffee service was coordinated by Jyothi Mendonca and her team. Photography and videography were handled by Wilson Coelho, Shaun D’Souza and Vinjoy Rego, while Ajith Rego served as DJ.
KCA UK acknowledged the generous financial support of community families towards the celebration and thanked the volunteers and organisers for their contribution.
The 22nd Monthi Fest brought together faith, family, culture and fellowship while highlighting the community’s commitment to preserving Konkani traditions and promoting responsible stewardship of the environment.
