Media Release

Delta, Sep 15: The Mangalurean community of Vancouver gathered in full joy to celebrate Monthi Fest at Immaculate Conception Church in Delta on Sunday, September 7. The annual feast for the Nativity of Mother Mary is recognized for its spiritual significance and the traditional Novem Jhevan meal, as seen again this year.

The vibrant Mangalurean Catholic community came together with great devotion and enthusiasm as one family again this year, to celebrate a cherished tradition that highlights both religious faith and cultural heritage.

The event began with gathering at the grotto with flower offering ceremony (‘Flowers to Mother Mary’), joyfully showering flowers while singing the beloved hymn ‘Sakkad Sangatha Melyan’ and ‘Moriyek Hogolsiya’ — echoing the spirit of unity and devotion.

Children dressed in their best attire participated in the showering of fresh flowers picked from the garden. The traditional blessing of the Noven (new harvest brought by Jeevan and Ranjana Tauro from Mangalore) took place at the Grotto, reminding everyone that even in Canada, the roots of the feast remain strong. Moreover, it was symbolic of gratitude for nature’s bounty. Gaulbert and Ida Cordeiro led to procession to the Church from the Grotto with Baby Mary’s icon.

A solemn Holy Mass celebrated in Konkani, honoring Mother Mary’s birth and seeking her intercession for blessings on families, children, and all gathered. The main celebrant of mass was Fr John Pinto, and it was concelebrated by Fr Joseph D’souza, Fr Mario Fernandes, Fr Canio Cardozo, Fr Claude Saldanha, Fr Ron Sequeira and Fr Jeevan Dalmeida. A meaningful homily by Fr Mario Fernandes was centered on Mother’s love and how mothers do not give up on their children. At the end of the mass, Fr Joseph thanked the Pastor of Immaculate Conception Church Fr Amador Abundo, the clergy and the congregation for coming together as one family.

Following Mass, the community came together at the Parish Hall for the much-anticipated Novem Jhevan prepared by a team of community members led by Gladys Pereira. A team under the leadership of Gladys Pereira spent two days tirelessly preparing food, with this year’s preparations conducted at the residence of one of the members. The delicious vorn (sweet dish) was prepared by the Barboza family and Karathen by Meera Nazareth and family.

In appreciation, Fr John Pinto honored the cooking team with a token of blessed holy rosaries, and thanked Norbert Cutinho and Pearl Sequeira for coordinating in organizing the event.

The master of ceremony was Lance Monteiro and the DJ, Clinton Pereira. Elton and Clotilda D’Souza led the team to decorate the hall. The Noven drink was prepared by Ronald and Diana Fernandes.

The attendees relished the delicious food as one attendee quipped, “We came for Mother Mary’s blessings, stayed for the food and will be dieting all week just to recover.”

The event was not only about faith and food but also about reconnecting. Old friends laughed, children ran around the parish hall and volunteers worked tirelessly behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly.

The celebration was not only a spiritual gathering but also a beautiful expression of cultural pride, with Konkani songs, dances, and games performed by children and adults alike.

Monthi Fest in Vancouver continues to be a vibrant reminder of tradition, family, and togetherness—proving that even thousands of miles away from Mangalore, the spirit of the feast remains alive and well.