Media Release
Sydney, Sep 30: The Mangalorean Catholic Association of Sydney (MCAS) Inc celebrated the Nativity of Our Lady, popularly known as Monthi Fest, on Sunday, September 13, bringing together nearly 300 members of the Mangalurean community for a day of faith, culture, tradition and fellowship.
Held at the Roselea Community Centre in Beecroft, the celebration was blessed with radiant spring sunshine and perfect weather, creating a fitting backdrop for one of the community’s most cherished annual traditions.
The festivities began with a solemn Mass celebrated by Fr Velerian D’Souza and Fr Cyprian D’Souza, with altar servers Aaliya and Michelle assisting. The altar was beautifully adorned with flowers, while the grotto of Mother Mary was decorated with care, creating an atmosphere of reverence and devotion.
Readings were delivered in Konkani and English, with members of the community also participating in the prayers of the faithful.
In his homily, Father Cyprian reflected on the significance of the Nativity of Our Lady and the virtues exemplified by Mother Mary. He encouraged the congregation to follow her example of humility, faith, obedience and trust in God’s plan, reminding the faithful that Mary continues to be a source of hope, strength and intercession for families and communities around the world. He also emphasised the importance of preserving the community’s faith and cultural traditions and passing them on to future generations.
The MCAS choir added to the solemnity of the Mass with powerful and moving harmonies. The service concluded with the children’s choir leading the congregation in a heartfelt rendition of Namo Namo Moriye, a touching tribute to Our Lady in the community’s mother tongue.
A cherished Mangalurean tradition
Following Mass, the traditional flower-showering ceremony took place outside in the spring sunshine. Children carrying plates and baskets filled with flowers gathered around the statue of Infant Mary, while the congregation joined in singing traditional Konkani hymns, including Sakkad Sangatha, Melyan and Moriek Hogolsian.
Led in prayer by Fr Velerian and Fr Cyprian, the ceremony provided a deeply moving display of faith and devotion, as colourful petals were showered over the statue of Infant Mary.
The celebration then moved indoors, where the atmosphere became one of music, laughter and community spirit.
Lavina D’Souza welcomed attendees, while master of ceremonies Onita Saldanha guided the afternoon’s programme. MCAS president Savio Monis addressed the gathering and expressed his gratitude to the community for its continued support over the past 18 years.
He acknowledged the dedication of the MCAS committee and volunteers whose efforts contributed to the success of the celebration. He also thanked main sponsor John Menezes and the generous donors who supported the event.
The MCAS committee members - Lavina D’Souza, Darryl D’Souza, Felix Pais, Rakesh D’Souza, Arpith D’Souza, Onita Saldanha and Vivek Crasto were also introduced to the community.
Celebrating culture and community
The cultural programme was one of the highlights of the afternoon, showcasing the talents of boys, girls, women and men from the community. The energetic cultural mashup was choreographed by Darryl and Lavina D’Souza and received enthusiastic applause from the audience.
An icebreaker game led by Roopa Menezes brought members of the community together in a fun and engaging activity. Participants were grouped according to their birthday months and challenged to find five people within their group who could take selfies matching a series of questions. The activity generated plenty of laughter and proved particularly effective in helping newcomers to Sydney and first-time attendees connect with other members of the MCAS community.
Adding to the entertainment was a humorous Konkani skit performed by Lexy Saldanha, Austin Goveas, Celine Goveas, Arpith D’Souza, Vinod Tellis and Ranjith Furtado. The performance had the audience in stitches and was met with enthusiastic applause.
DJ Darryl D’Souza and DJ Joylene Moras kept the atmosphere lively with a selection of music throughout the afternoon.
A feast of Mangalurean flavours
Food remained a central part of the celebration, with guests treated to a generous feast of authentic Mangalorean cuisine.
A dedicated team of volunteers worked together to prepare and serve a selection of appetisers, followed by a buffet featuring homemade Pork Bafat prepared by members of the community, vegetarian dishes, rice and traditional accompaniments. The meal was rounded off with the much-loved Mangalurean dessert, Vorn, and received widespread appreciation from guests.
As the afternoon drew to a close, the familiar and joyous strains of Baila brought guests to the dance floor, with people of all ages joining in the celebrations.
Preserving a legacy
The success of Monthi Fest 2026 was made possible by the collective efforts of the MCAS committee, performers, choir members, cooks, volunteers, sponsors and the wider community.
The celebration was more than an annual gathering. It was an opportunity for Mangalurean Catholics in Sydney to reconnect with their faith, culture and traditions, while sharing them with younger generations.
For many attendees, the mass, Konkani hymns, traditional food, music and Baila evoked memories of Monthi Fest celebrations in Mangaluru and reinforced the importance of keeping these traditions alive in Australia.
The 2026 Monthi Fest once again demonstrated the strength and unity of the Mangalurean Catholic community in Sydney. As MCAS looks towards its 20th anniversary celebrations in 2027, the association remains committed to preserving and passing on the faith, culture and traditions that have brought generations of Mangalureans together.
The celebration may have ended, but the spirit of Monthi Fest continues to flourish in Sydney.