The SKA Monthi Festh was celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm on 8th September at Alpertom Community School. The event, a vibrant blend of faith, culture, and tradition, began on schedule at 11:30 AM despite the venue being shared with other events.

The celebration began outdoors, where children presented flowers to Mother Mary as a sign of devotion. Rev. Bishop Dr. Gerald Lobo, Fr. Lawrence Devin Noronha, and Fr. Roshan Lopez led the congregation in prayers and blessed the new grains, signifying gratitude for the harvest. The ceremony attracted members from the local community as well as guests from various organizations, including KCA UK, MUKA Nottingham, UK Konkans, and Prayer Group London.

A grand procession into the hall followed, accompanied by the lively music of the Preston Brass Band, creating a joyous and festive atmosphere.

The high point of the day was the Holy Mass, officiated by Rev. Bishop Dr. Gerald Lobo at noon. The Mass featured a spiritually enriching sermon and was complemented by the beautiful choir led by Alwyn Saldanha. The sacred “Nove” was distributed to all attendees after the Mass, which concluded at 1:30 PM, followed by a traditional Mangalorean lunch.

The afternoon session began at 3:00 PM, with Gaywin Lasrado as the Master of Ceremonies. Special guest Rt. Rev. Bishop Paul McAleenan graced the occasion, adding significance to the celebration.

A highlight was the launch of the SKA website, inaugurated by Rev. Bishop Dr. Gerald Lobo and developed by Jason Dsouza. The website marked a milestone for the SKA community, offering a platform to engage and connect more effectively.

During the stage program, several community leaders and sponsors were felicitated, including SKA President Sunil Dcunha, who was honored for his outstanding efforts in supporting the community. The Bishops shared their reflections on Mangalorean culture and emphasized the importance of preserving the rich heritage passed down through generations.

Further, Sampson Dcunha shared insights into Rt. Rev. Bishop Paul McAleenan's life, highlighting his contributions to the faith and community. As a token of appreciation, Rt. Rev. Bishop Paul McAleenan was honored with a memento. In addition, Olivia Saldanha provided a detailed insights into Rev. Bishop Dr. Gerald Lobo and was honored with a memento.

The gathering also took a moment to thank Fr. Lawrence Devin Noronha and Fr. Roshan Lopez for their unwavering support and for co-officiating the mass along with Rev. Bishop Dr. Gerald Lobo.

Prizes were distributed to SKA members who excelled in various events throughout the year. This was followed by a Vote of thanks to all priests and special guests who contributed to the day’s success.

The cultural segment opened with a hilarious skit by Sangon Mugdana Kalakar, Dubai, a group of talented actors and crew who brought humor and laughter to the crowd. The audience was thoroughly entertained by their performance, which showcased their incredible acting skills. The team was later honored with a memento for their outstanding contribution to the event. This followed energetic dance performances by Groove & Glam Dance Group, entertaining the audience with their energetic moves. The day’s festivities were further enhanced by spot games and a lucky draw conducted by Gaywin Lasrado.

The event concluded with the traditional Baila dance, uniting all attendees in celebration and joy. The lively music and dance brought the feast to a close at 6:30 PM, leaving everyone with cherished memories of the day.

A special vote of thanks was extended to the sponsors, volunteers, and the SKA team for their dedication in making the event a grand success. Their tireless efforts ensured the smooth execution of the SKA Monthi Feast, a memorable occasion for the entire community.

Sponsors and Contributors:

● Main Sponsor: Brian Mathias & Family

● Co-Sponsors: Aloysius & Christine Lobo Family, Eugene Dias & Family

● Platinum Sponsors: Grace Menezes & Family, Vinay Pereira & Family, Shaun D’Souza & Family

● Gold Sponsors: Yuvaaz UK, Violet & Wilfred Coelho Family, Jose Fernandes & Family, Violet & Charles D’Souza and Family, and Prakash Mendonsa and family ● Silver Sponsors: Lydia Pinto, Joyline D’Souza, Mouris & Mable D’Souza, Gracy Gretta

Fernandes, Prashanth & Sunitha Pinto, Praveen Moras & Family, Royston Roche & Family, Matilda D’Costa, Violet Fernandes, Johnson Mathias & Family, Emilia & Joseph Castelino Family, Deepak D’Souza & Family, Sudeep Mathias & Family, Menezes Family

● Bronze Sponsors: Dora Pais, Meera Moras, Agnes D’Souza, Meena Sequeira, Cyprian D’Souza, Juvana Fernandes, Merlin Rodrigues, Fermina D’Souza, Dr. Ben & Therese D’Souza, Anitha & Leena Masceranus, Anup, Leon, Princea, Prajwal, Dayana, Judith D’Sa, Eliza D’Cunha, Elcy D’Souza, Mary Rodrigues, Elizabeth Rodrigues, Avil Fernandes

● Caterers: Marita Crasta Family & Friends, Valerian & Janet D’Souza Family, Lancy & Cynthia Rodrigues Family, Jackson Reena Jewel D’Souza & Doreen Pinto, Stella D’Cunha, Valerian Monteiro & Family, Mouris & Mable D’Souza, Zeeta & Donald D’Souza, Anitha Madtha, Ivan & Jennifer Mathias, Richard & Rita Menezes, Praveen &

Anitha D’Souza, Jeevan & Lavita D’Souza, Violet & Charles D’Souza, Thomas & Janet D’Souza, Pramila & Arun Crasta, Alwyn & Sheela Saldanha, Victoria Cornelio, Gretta Gracy Fernandes

Additional Thanks: Baking Team, SKA Choir Group, MC: Gaywin Lasrado, Sound & Light Technicians, Stage Setup Volunteers, Kitchen Volunteers

Groups: Groove & Glam Dance Group, Preston Brass Band, Sangon Mugdana Kalakar (Actors & Crew)

Priests and Bishops: Rt. Rev. Bishop Paul McAleenan, Rev. Bishop Dr. Gerald Lobo, Fr. Lawrence Devin Noronha, Fr. Roshan Lopez

Altar Boys and Girls: John Crasta, Nelson Cordeiro, Stacy D'sa, Liana D'Sa, Siyona Borges, Freya Dias

Community Groups: KCA UK, MUKA Nottingham, UK Konkans, Prayer Group London