Media Release

Bengaluru, Sep 10: Monthi fest was solemnly celebrated with traditional zeal and piety by the members of Konkani Catholic Sangh, Yeshwanthpur, here at Christ The King Church, Malleswaram, in the city.

Prior to the fest, from August 30, a nine day Novena with mass, rosary recitation in procession and offering flowers to ‘Balok Morie’, (infant Mary) was organised and sermon delivered by Fr Stevan Periera on all those days was indeed excellent, preparing everyone spiritually for the feast Day.

On September 8, vice president of the sangh, Baptist Fernandies, inroduced the itinerary for the celebrations which was followed by Novena, rosary recitation in procession and offering flowers to ‘Balok Morie’. Children accompanied by elders sang gloriously 'Moriek Hogolsian', at the grotto before proceeding for the holy mass.

A holy eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Bishop, Dr Bernad Moras and co-celebrated by Fr Joy. Bishop, Dr Bernad Moras elaborated on the importance and significance of the Novena and Mary's feast in the lives of people of coastal region. Children offered variety of fruits and fresh grown vegetables during the offertory.

The choir conducted by Manil Rego enticed a sense of rhythm and meaning to the celebration. The 'Novem' (paddy), which signifies the fruit of the earth and the first harvest of the season, was blessed by Bishop Dr Bernad Moras. The president of the sangh, Gerorge Mascarenhas thanked everyone for their wholehearted support to celebrate the feast in such a grand fashion. 'Novem' was distributed to all the people who had participated.

Blessed ‘Novem’ mixed with coconut milk was served prior to a sumptuous vegetarian lunch including ‘Vorn’.

Approximately 700 members participated in the entire celebration. After lunch, the families were served ‘Kobu’ (sugarcane) and before leaving the venue, the members were greatly overjoyed and seen exchanging pleasantries of ‘Monthi Fest’.