Media Release
Sharjah, Sep 9: With hearts overflowing with faith, devotion and joy, St Michael's Mangalorean Konkani Community (SMMKC), Sharjah, celebrated Monthi Fest 2026, the cherished feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on Saturday, September 5, at St Michael's Church, Sharjah. Rooted in the rich faith and cultural heritage of Mangalorean Catholics, the celebration drew the community together in prayer, gratitude and joyful fellowship under the spiritual guidance of Fr Edwin Monis OFM Cap.
The feast was preceded by a nine-day novena, from August 27 to September 4, offering the faithful a grace-filled period of spiritual preparation. Each day, parishioners gathered for the Holy Rosary, Holy Mass and flower showering, deepening their devotion to the Blessed Mother.
Fr Roshan Herald D'souza was the main celebrant throughout the novena days, with daily reflections illuminating Mary's many roles, such as Mori Dev Kurpechi Mata (Mary, Full of God’s Grace), Mori Solyachi Ark Pet (Mary, Ark of the Covenant), Mori Dev Apvonyank Dekh (Mary, Model of God’s Call) and Mori Pidestanchi Bhalaiki (Mary, Health of the Sick).
The Triduum, from September 1 to 3, carried the reflection further, combining praise and worship, Eucharistic adoration and preaching on Mary as Mori Patkyancho Asro, Mori Kakultichi Mai, Mori Devachi and Povitr Sabhechi Mai, preparing devotees spiritually for Monthi Fest and drawing them closer to God. Special blessings were solemnly imparted on the elderly, children and families by Fr Roshan Herald D’souza. The spiritual preparation culminated in solemn Vespers on September 4, a fitting close to these days of prayer.
Each day of the novena drew around 800 devotees, among them children, whose joyful showering of flowers before Mother Mary kept this cherished Monthi Fest tradition alive, filling the celebration with innocence and heartfelt love.
Ahead of the novena, a series of faith-based competitions was held to help children and families discover and express their faith. smart kid, singing, rosary making, bible quiz, colouring, greeting card making and elocution drew around 120 eager participants, whose talent and enthusiasm were evident throughout.
One of the celebration's most moving moments came as children of all ages offered flowers to Mother Mary while singing the beloved hymn ‘MoriekHogolsia’, a simple, radiant expression of the Sharjah St Michael's Mangalorean Konkani Community's devotion.
Ahead of the feast day Mass, donors whose generosity supported the celebration were honoured with blessed candles in gratitude for their support. Following the distribution of the blessed candles, people gathered near the statue of Mother Mary for the blessing of the newly harvested paddy by Fr Darick D'Souza, followed by the showering of flowers.
The blessing of the paddy is the ritual of thanksgiving for the harvest that keeps alive the agricultural traditions of the Mangalorean Catholic community. The solemn procession and offertory lent further grace to the celebration, with main sponsors Ronald Martis and Representative of Globelink West Star Shipping Co LLC joining the procession.
The feast day Mass was celebrated with great solemnity by 12 priests, with Fr Roshan Herald D'Souza as main celebrant, concelebrated by Fr Savarimuthu Antony Samy, Fr Edwin Monis, Fr John Thundiyath, Fr John Joseph, Fr Michael Fernandes, Fr Lancy Rebello, Fr Paul Melwyn, Fr Darick D'Souza, Fr Victor Fernandes, Fr Sathyan Thomas and Fr Maxim Cardoza. In his homily, Fr Paul Melwyn invited the faithful to reflect on Mary's humility, unwavering faith and obedience, virtues that continue to inspire families to live Christ-centred lives. More than 3,500 faithful filled the church for the Eucharistic celebration, its prayerful atmosphere lifted further by the Seraphim Choir's melodious hymns. Fr Edwin Monis and coordinator Anil Pinto offered heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the feast's success.
As the Mass drew to a close, the parish hall came alive with music, dance, singing, colour and celebrations for a vibrant cultural programme. Performances by children, teens, youth and adults, joined by the Goan community, showcased the rich talent and togetherness of the faithful, with Uttam, Roshan and Sunitha compering a lively, engaging show.
The day also featured the presentation of the SMMKC annual report, a look back at the community's activities and achievements over the year, and the felicitation of main sponsors with mementos in appreciation of their support. Couples celebrating their 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries were honoured with mementos and flower pots, a fitting tribute to their years of love, sacrifice and commitment. Competition winners, too, were felicitated with prizes for their talent and enthusiasm.
This year's celebration also carried a quiet but meaningful innovation: in place of fresh flowers, SMMKC distributed flower pots, encouraging families to nurture plants as part of a broader push toward sustainability, a gesture that added an environmental dimension to the community's spirit of offering.
The day continued in true Mangalorean spirit, with lively Baila singing and music by the Seraphim choir. Mangalorean families enjoyed the dance with great fun and enthusiasm, creating an atmosphere of joy, bonding, and a beautiful sense of togetherness.
The celebration concluded with the distribution of blessed kanshi and food packets, a cherished tradition symbolising God's abundant blessings and the community's spirit of sharing.
Monthi Fest 2026 concluded on a joyful and spiritually uplifting note, leaving the faithful with hearts filled with gratitude and renewed devotion. The community expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Fr Edwin Monis OFM Cap for his spiritual guidance, encouragement and unwavering support throughout the celebrations. The success of the celebration was made possible by the dedicated service of the SMMKC committee led by the coordinator Anil Pinto, lay ministers, altar servers, volunteers, ushers, choir and many who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
The Monthi Fest 2026 was a beautiful celebration of faith, family, culture, sharing, caring, unity and community. Through prayers, the Eucharist, the showering of flowers, music and cherished traditions, generations came together under the loving care of Mother Mary. As the faithful returned home with her blessings, the celebration stood as a true testament to the unity, devotion and spirit of service that continue to strengthen the SMMKC community.