Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 8: The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on September 8, holds a special place in the hearts of the Catholic community of the erstwhile South Canara region, now spread across the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Fondly associated with the traditional harvest festivities of the community, the feast brings together faith, family, thanksgiving and a deep sense of cultural heritage and communal harmony.
Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) celebrated the joyous occasion with great devotion and splendour. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director, FMCI, blessed the new corn, marking the beginning of the traditional harvest thanksgiving. He was also the main celebrant of the festive Eucharistic celebration.
The celebration commenced with a solemn and colourful procession of the faithful from the entrance of the Father Muller College of Nursing towards St Joseph Chapel. The procession featured the revered image of Infant Mary, affectionately known as Bambina, which was carried with great devotion. The faithful showered the image with a profusion of beautiful flowers, creating a spectacular and spiritually moving sight where reverence blended harmoniously with colour and tradition, transforming the floral shower into a truly divine spectacle.
The homily was delivered by Dr Michael Santhumayor, administrator, Father Muller Medical College (FMMC). His sermon beautifully reflected upon three significant themes that resonated with the spirit of the feast—the Blessed Virgin Mary as our Eternal Mother, the importance of harmony and unity within families, and the need to recognise, protect and empower the girl child. The reflection offered a meaningful connection between faith, family values and the responsibility of society towards nurturing and safeguarding every girl child.
Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, administrator, Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH), and Fr William D'Souza, assistant administrator, FMMCH, concelebrated the festive Eucharistic celebration along with the main celebrant.
Following the Holy Mass, the blessed new corn was distributed among the faithful, symbolising new growth, thanksgiving, prosperity and fresh beginnings. In keeping with the cherished traditions of the feast, the faithful were encouraged to share the blessings first with their families and loved ones, reinforcing the values of togetherness and gratitude.
The celebration concluded on a sweet and joyous note as festive treats were distributed to all those gathered.
The celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary at FMCI was thus a beautiful expression of faith and tradition—bringing together the institution, families and the faithful in prayer, thanksgiving and fellowship, while renewing the enduring message of love, unity, harmony and hope embodied by Mother Mary.