The SKA Monthi Feast 2025 was celebrated with deep devotion and great joy on Sunday, 7th September 2025 at Alperton Community School, Wembley. The celebration began at 10:30 a.m. with the traditional offering of flowers to Mother Mary by the children. During this touching and devotional moment, young Vivaan Lobo sang a beautiful hymn to Mother Mary, lifting the spirits of the congregation. Soon after, Most Rev. Robert Michael Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga, who was the guest of honour for the day, blessed the new Nove before the Holy Mass commenced.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Miranda and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Jossy Mascarnhas, who also joined in during the offering of flowers. The Mass was enriched by the angelic voices of the SKA Choir, who sang melodious hymns throughout. The Preston Band gave the morning celebration a truly festive atmosphere, filling the school grounds with music and joy, reminding everyone of the traditional grandeur of a Monthi Feast. A special thanks goes to our dedicated altar servers Stacy D'Sa, Liana D'Sa, Siyona Borges, Freya Dias, Scarlett Vaz, and Vivan Tauro who assisted the clergy with devotion and reverence, adding to the solemnity of the celebration.

After the Holy Mass, Bishop Miranda blessed the food that had been lovingly prepared by our community volunteers. We are deeply grateful to all who contributed their time and energy in cooking, to those who generously sponsored the vegetables, and to everyone who supported the preparation in both big and small ways. A special word of thanks goes to the many volunteers who arrived a day in advance to decorate the altar, arrange the hall and kitchen, and prepare the chairs for the event. Their dedication ensured everything was ready for the celebration.

The stage programme included a heartfelt felicitation ceremony. The Bishop was first honoured by the committee members with a shawl, a fruit basket, and a memento, presented by Sunil and Loy, Gracy, Walter and Alson, and Alwyn, Olivia and Sampson respectively. The Bishop, in turn, felicitated Fr. Jossy Mascarnhas and the main sponsor with a memento, and extended floral tributes to KCA Manchester, MUKA Nottingham, UK Konkan, and the Prayer Group for their continued support. Later, the Bishop also felicitated the panel of judges with flowers and mementos in recognition of their valuable contribution.

The cultural programme following lunch brought energy and entertainment to the day. It began with melodious opening songs by Arielle Fernandes and Aryanna Fernandes. The afternoon saw vibrant performances in the form of fancy dress, singing, and dance competitions, as well as a humorous skit that delighted the audience.

In the Fancy Dress competition, the winners were Jayden & Aiden Fernandes in first place, followed by Kian & Raya Jamdade in second place. The singing competition for children under 12 was won by Kyra Natasha Fernandes, with Leanne Nikisha Fernandes as the runner-up. In the above 12 singing category, Sheryl Cornelio secured first place and Jovita D’Souza came second. The group dance competition showcased the immense talent and spirit of the participants, with the Desi Dancers from Manchester emerging as champions. The runner-up position was shared between Maars SKA London, Fusion Frenzy SKA London, and The Vibe Tribe SKA London.

The prize distribution ceremony was conducted by Rev. Fr. Jossy Mascarnhas, while the entire stage programme was elegantly performed by MC Renisha Rodrigues. The panel of judges Mrs. Stephi Martis, Mr. Stany Mendonca, Mr. Sachin Rao, Mr. Ashwin Xiver Pinto, and Mr. Alwyn Saldanha deserve special thanks for their thoughtful judgment and encouragement to all participants.

The smooth execution of the event was made possible by many contributors. Sincere thanks to DJ Millan for providing excellent music, sound, and lights, to Ying for capturing memorable photographs, and to Joyce and Carol Viola Crasta for organizing the photo booth. A word of gratitude also goes to Rocky for ensuring the hall and chairs were well arranged before and after the event. Above all, a very special thanks to our tireless kitchen volunteers who worked with dedication to prepare a traditional and delicious festive meal for all.

We are especially grateful to our generous sponsors, co-sponsors, and supporters whose contributions made this celebration possible. Their names were acknowledged with gratitude during the programme, and their support continues to strengthen the unity of our community.

The event concluded joyfully around 6:00 p.m. with the lively traditional Baila dance, bringing together young and old to celebrate in the true spirit of Monthi Fest. It was a day of faith, fellowship, and festivity a true testimony of our rich tradition and strong community spirit.