Report: Melwyn Machado
Pics: Vigil Fernandes

Houston, Sep 9: Nativity Feast of our Mother Mary, Monthi Fest to Mangaloreans was celebrated by TIPCA (Texas India Pakistan Catholic Association) on Sunday, September 8 with traditional fervor, devotion, zeal and grandeur at the church of St Thomas Aquinas, Sugarland, Texas.

TIPCA is an association of Catholics who immigrated from India, Pakistan and Africa and based in Houston, Texas.

The celebration began with Mass, celebrated by Fr Joseph K Kalladan, parish priest. After the Mass the Bambino of Our Lady and the new crop (Novem), were blessed. The community then proceeded in procession to the Aldridge Hall at the back of the Church, singing Konkani hymns “Sakkad sangatha maeleyan, sakkad lagin sariyan.....” and "Moriak Hogolsiyam" and showering of petals and venerating ‘Balok Mori’ (infant Mary).

'Novem mixed with milk' was distributed to those present followed by the delicious homemade food prepared by the Mangalorean community of Houston.  Vorn was served at the last to the delight of all those gathered there. Sheryl  Machado compeered the evening programme.

It was indeed a great instance of beautiful celebration for Mangaloreans and all Catholics present there evoking nostalgic memories of age-old traditional fellowship evident at the time of this festive season in our native homeland.