Australia / Oceania

Media Release

Melbourne, Sep 10, 2024 : The Melbourne Konkan Community (MKC) recently hosted its much-anticipated Monthi Fest at Williamstown Town Hall in Williamstown Victoria, a treasured celebration of the Nativity of Mother Mary, and what a heartwarming day it was! Deeply rooted in Mangalorean culture, the day saw over 750 attendees come together in a vibrant display of faith, tradition, and unity, reminding them of the ties that bind them to their cultural roots.

The veneration of Mother Mary, a practice passed down through generations, was beautifully witnessed as children joyfully showered flowers before the statue of Mary. This long-standing tradition from Mangalore is not just a symbol of devotion, but also a cherished moment that ties the younger generation to their heritage, keeping their culture alive in lands far from home. Seeing the smiles and laughter of the little ones as they participated in this act of love for Mother Mary was a truly emotional moment for all present.

Fr. Prakash Menezes, who flew in all the way from Alice Springs, delivered a homily that moved hearts and filled souls with spiritual nourishment. His words resonated deeply with the community, reminding them of the importance of faith, family, and togetherness. Many expressed their gratitude for his presence and the powerful message he shared with all of them on this special occasion.

Months of preparation by the MKC committee culminated in this unforgettable celebration, and their hard work was rewarded as a record number of people gathered to partake in the event. Sadly, due to venue capacity, they were unable to accommodate the numerous other passionate members who wished to join them. However, with growing enthusiasm from the community, they hope to expand the festivities in the future to welcome all who wish to partake in this beautiful cultural and spiritual feast.

Following the Mass, the hall was buzzing with lively conversations, as old friends reconnected and new friendships blossomed over cups of tea, coffee, and delicious samosas. The sense of camaraderie was palpable, and this fellowship is what makes their community events so special – they bring them closer together, reinforcing the bond they share as Mangaloreans in Melbourne.

Lunch was a highlight in itself, with attendees enjoying a sit-down meal in batches. The buffet, serving an array of traditional Mangalorean delicacies, including the ever-popular vorn, was a true feast for the senses. As people dined, they were serenaded by a live band playing nostalgic Konkani tunes, adding to the charm and ambiance of the day.

The post-lunch performances were the icing on the cake. With almost 75 performers taking the stage, each group dazzled the audience with their enthusiasm and talent. Whether it was dance, music, or skits, each performance outshone the last, leaving everyone thoroughly entertained. The sheer joy on stage and in the crowd was a testament to the incredible cultural pride they all share.

A special moment in the day was when Richard and Philomen Fernandes of Werribee were honoured for their extraordinary volunteer service to MKC over the past 15 years. Their selfless dedication began in their own home, where they opened their doors to fellow Mangaloreans for Monthi Fest, hosting over 100 guests. From this small gathering, MKC has now grown into a thriving community with over 255 registered members – a record-breaking achievement. The recognition they received was well deserved, and their contributions have been invaluable to the growth of the MKC family.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of their wonderful sponsors, including the Victorian Government, Fletchers Real Estate, Delivery Centric, Nikee Migration, GLMS, Karman Security, Qualiteeth Dental, Unicorn Infra, and Tarneit Service Centre. They were also fortunate to have backing from international sponsors, with companies from the UAE such as Michelle Engineering, Mission Engineering, Spokes Energy, Pretech & Elegant Decor lending their support.

As the event came to a close, one thing was clear – the Mangalorean spirit in Melbourne is stronger than ever. Every year, they see more new faces joining their events, and they are blessed to have Mother Mary's guidance and protection as they continue to grow as a community. They thank her for blessing them with such a successful event and pray for her intercession in keeping them safe and united. 

For more information about the Melbourne Konkan Community and upcoming events, visit their website at www.mkc.net.au. They look forward to seeing even more people at their future gatherings as they continue to celebrate their rich culture, faith, and heritage together.