Media Release
Muscat, Sep 21: The Ghala Mangalorean Catholic Community (GMCC) celebrated Monthi Fest on September 5 with deep faith, devotion and community spirit, bringing together families and faithful for a memorable celebration of faith, tradition and fellowship.
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, lovingly celebrated as ‘Monthi Saibinnichem Festh', holds a sacred and cherished place in every Mangalorean heart. Rooted in the historic tradition that began at Monte Mariano Church, Farangipet, in 1763, this beautiful feast is a profound celebration of faith, family, cultural heritage, and heartfelt gratitude for the abundant blessings of nature. With the gracious support and spiritual guidance of the parish priest, guest priest, and spiritual director, the vibrant Mangalorean Community of Holy Spirit Church, Ghala, Sultanate of Oman, celebrated Monthi Fest with deep devotion, prayerful solemnity, and festive grandeur.
For this special occasion, GMCC invited Fr Ashwin Rohan D’Silva OCD, a Carmelite priest of Mangalurean origin serving in Mira Road, Mumbai, to lead the spiritual programs. Being a Konkani-speaking priest, Fr Ashwin connected warmly with the community through his inspiring homilies, meaningful reflections and interactive sessions.
The Ghala Mangalorean Catholic community of the Holy Spirit Church-Ghala Muscat began its preparations for Monthi Fest with a three-day retreat from August 23 to 25. Each day began with the Eucharistic celebration at Holy Spirit Church. Through his reflections and prayer sessions, Fr Ashwin encouraged the faithful to deepen their relationship with God, strengthen prayer within their families and follow Mother Mary’s example of faith, humility, obedience and complete trust in God.
The nine-day novena in honour of Mother Mary commenced on August 26 until September 3. Families gathered at the church every day for the Eucharistic celebration, followed by the novena prayers and the traditional offering and showering of flowers before the Grotto of Mother Mary, demonstrating how eagerly the Konkani community looks forward to this special season each year.
A special emphasis was given to the participation of children in the liturgy throughout this year’s Monthi Fest celebrations. Children were given a prominent role in the liturgy on all nine days of the novena, taking part in the proclamation of the readings, leading the prayers of the faithful and singing the traditional keerthans. The final day of the novena was especially memorable, as the entire liturgy was led by the children of the Ghala Mangalorean Catholic Community. The children actively participated and demonstrated their faith, confidence and commitment. The initiative was greatly appreciated by the faithful and was one of the notable highlights of this year’s novena celebrations.
The novena liturgies were accompanied by the Jezu Mhaka Apoitha Kokannni Choir, led by Joel D’Souza, whose musical contribution added to the prayerful and devotional atmosphere throughout the nine days.
Delicious food was served after the Novena every day, offering the faithful an opportunity to spend time together and strengthen the bonds of friendship and community fellowship.
The grand celebration of the Nativity of Mother Mary was held on Saturday, September 5. The celebration began with the recitation of Rosary at the Grotto by Francis Dsouza, Sunil Mascarenhas and Sabita Pinto. A large number of faithful joined the solemn procession towards the Mother May grotto, led by the priests, committee members and accompanied by Steevan and Reshma Pereira, who reverently carried the Bambino Mary and the first hand-picked sheaves of paddy from the homeland. The ‘Novein’— freshly harvested paddy grains — was blessed, followed by the traditional showering of flowers upon Infant Mother Mary in front of the Grotto with Hymn ‘Moriyek Hogollsiyan’
The solemn High Mass in Konkani was celebrated by Fr Ashwin Rohan D’Silva OCD, along with Fr Stephen Lewis, parish priest of Ruwi Church and spiritual director of GMCC; Fr George Vadakkut, parish priest of Holy Spirit Church- Ghala and the assistant priests Fr Gabriel Elisa and Fr Reynaldo Paculob.
Deanne Serra delivered the introduction at the beginning of the Mass, while Rinet Menezes and Reena D’Souza proclaimed the readings. Priyanka Mendonca led the prayers of the faithful, enriching the congregation’s spiritual participation. As the occasion also marked the day of the girl child, the celebration was specially dedicated to all girls.
The choir, an integral part of the celebration, added a melodious touch to the devotion. Led by Renita D’Souza, the vibrant choir sang in praise and glory of God, inspiring the congregation to join wholeheartedly in the meaningful celebration. The choir included Joel Mendonca, Jason Cardoza, Lavisha D’Souza, Sandra Concesso, Joyner Pais, Selvin Johnson Lewis, Melroy Quadras, Lawrence Prakash Noronha, Melissa Crasto D’Sa, Smitha D’Souza, Sabitha Pinto, Laveena Tellis, and Carol D’Sa e Dias. Musical accompaniment was provided by Nathan Rick D’Souza and Triven Goveas on the keyboard, Annalise V Dias on the violin.
At the end of the Holy Mass, GMCC president, Praveen Serra, Niddodi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the priests, sponsors, and community members for their generous support and encouragement. Blessed candles were presented as tokens of appreciation to the Muddhom representatives and all sponsors of the novena and Feast Day celebrations. Nirmala Goveas, a well-known community leader, ably handled the announcements, contributing to the smooth and orderly conduct of the celebrations.
The executive committee members representing the Ghala Mangalorean Catholic Community (GMCC), Ghala, Sultanate of Oman, for the term 2026–2028 are:
Praveen Serra, Niddodi – President
Suneel Menezes – Vice president, Finance and Audit
Loyd D’Cunha – Vice president, Cultural and Sports
Loyell Castelino – General secretary
Reshma Pereira – Joint secretary
Ancilla Saldanha – Finance secretary
Reevan D’Cunha – Internal auditor
Reena D’Souza – Spiritual and choir secretary
Wilson Fernandes – Community service secretary
Hendrita Colaco – Cultural secretary
Staulin D’Cunha – Sports secretary
Noel Machado – Technical support secretary
Ashwin D’Cunha – Spiritual coordinator
A delicious, home-style festive meal was lovingly prepared by the community members and served during the festive dinner. The dishes were contributed by the following families:
Moog: Melwin D’Souza and family; Noel D’Souza and family; Arun, Asuntha and family; Anil, Reena and family
Channa: Joseph and Priya D’Souza
Karathe and Vorn: Lancy Lobo, South Express Restaurant
Polov: Henry, Gracy Castelino and family
Karamb and Pickle: Lancy and Gracy Barboza
Alsande: Alwin Asha & Fly, Prakash Joslyn & Fly; Rajkiran Lenita & Fly, Vijay Vinisha & Fly
Rice: Rajkiran Lenita & Fly
Goody bags were distributed to all the children with the generous sponsorship and support of:
Muscat Pharmacy & Stores LLC – Courtesy Ashok Mathias
Al Reef LLC - courtesy Thomas & Aslita D’Souza
Pran Foods - Courtesy - Santhosh Dsilva
Numo Fernandes
Priyanka Mendonca
Prashant D'Souza and family
Sofan Trading
Photography and videography: Madhu, Ivan Milbarg and Craig Lazarus
Technical support and PPT: Selvin and Shaveena Lewis, Darell Mascarenhas, Francis D’Souza
The GMCC executive committee extends its sincere gratitude to all our generous sponsors and well-wishers who supported the novena and feast celebrations through their valuable contributions, including food, refreshments, and financial assistance. Their generosity and continued support greatly contributed to the smooth and successful conduct of the celebrations.
GMCC expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers who generously gave their time, energy and support throughout the novena and Feast Day celebrations. Their dedicated service, teamwork and selfless contribution behind the scenes played a vital role in making the celebrations prayerful, well-organised and memorable for the entire community.
The Monthi Fest celebration concluded on a joyful and memorable note, leaving everyone with renewed faith, cherished memories, and a deep sense of togetherness.