Media Release
Mumbai, Sep 17: Monthi Fest, the much-cherished feast marking the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the celebration of the new harvest, holds deep cultural and religious significance for Mangalureans, honouring both the birth of Mother Mary and gratitude for nature's bounty.
The Konkani Committee of Sacred Heart Church, Andheri East, Mumbai, joyfully celebrated Monthi Fest on September 15.
The celebration began with the brass band playing the hymn ‘Sakkad Sangatha Melyan’. Devotees prayed in front of the beautifully decorated grotto on the church premises.
Fr Gregory Pinto (SVD) blessed the new harvest paddy grains near the grotto. Children offered flowers to Mother Mary.
Fr Richard Quadros (SVD) was the main celebrant, and Fr Henry D’Souza (SVD) delivered a meaningful homily. Fr Lancy Rodrigues (SVD) carried the statue of Mother Mary, beautifully adorned with flowers, in procession to the church.
Along with the parish priest, Fr John Mascarenhas (SVD), Fr Edwin Vaz (SVD), Fr Callisto (SVD), Fr Salvador Serrao (SVD), Fr Lawrence Correa (SVD), Fr Arun D’Mello (SVD), Fr Felix Lobo (SVD), Fr Cranston Vaz (SVD), and deacon Daniel concelebrated the Mass.
The youth read the readings and sang the psalm in Konkani beautifully. Keyboard player Anson Pereira accompanied the Konkani hymns, playing them wonderfully.
A short cultural programme, organized by Veronica D'Souza and her team, was held at St Arnold's School Hall. Children, youth, and elders performed a Konkani welcome dance, singing, traditional dances, and a comedy skit by Allwyn, Veronica, and Francis. Goans, Karwaris, and Mangalureans were all speaking in Konkani, truly embodying the spirit of the ‘Kutmache Fest’ — the real Monthi Fest.
Fr Richard Quadros, Fr Edwin Vaz, Fr Henry D'Souza, Fr Gregory, and Fr Callisto presented flowers to the donors. Konkani committee secretary Anella Quadros welcomed the gathering and delivered the thank-you note. President Francis Castelino and treasurer Francis Pereira felicitated the sponsors.
Lastly, Fr Lawrence Correa blessed the Novem Jevann, and all attendees joyfully shared in the communal feast.
Sugarcane and blessed grains were distributed to everyone, symbolizing the abundance of God's blessings.