Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 30: The nine-day Novena prayers, held in preparation for Monthi Fest (the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the harvest festival) celebrated on September 8, began with great devotion and enthusiasm across churches in the district on Sunday.

Prior to the Sunday Mass, devotees offered special prayers and showered flowers on the statue of Mother Mary. Large crowds gathered at various churches, including Milagres, Rosario, Urwa, Ashoknagar, Bajal, Kulur, Angelore, Cordel, Cascia, Bondel, Tannirbhavi, Paldane, Mulki, Surathkal, Vamanjoor, and Neermarga. Children joyfully participated in the floral tributes. Prayers were also held in front of grottos and on church grounds in several parishes.

Devotional singing added to the fervour of the Novena. Hymns calling the faithful to gather and praise Mother Mary in one voice resonated everywhere. Following the programmes organised by associations like the Catholic Sabha and ICYM, sweets were distributed to the children.

At St Sebastian Church in Bendoor, Fr Walter D'Souza led the Novena. Fr Osmand D'Souza, Fr Joel Monteiro, and vice president of the parish council Deepak D'Souza were present.

At St Lawrence Shrine in Bondel, the Novena was led by Fr Basil Vas, with the presence of Fr Peter Gonsalves and Fr Lawrence Cutinha.

Fr Vijay Victor Lobo led the prayers at Kulur Church, while Fr Joseph Martis and Fr Steven Nelson Pereira officiated at Derebail Church.

At St Teresa Church in Paldane, Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho led the Novena in the presence of Fr Joseph Coelho, vice president Elias Fernandes, and secretary Roshan Monteiro. At Surathkal Church, Fr Austin Peter Peres led the devotion.