Media Release
Abu Dhabi, Sep 19: In a beautiful celebration of faith, tradition and togetherness, the St Joseph’s Konkani Community (SJKC) joyfully came together to celebrate Monthi Fest 2026, the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary at St Therese Church, Abu Dhabi. Celebrated with great devotion and festive spirit, the cherished occasion brought the community together as one family under the spiritual guidance of Fr Rohan Miranda OFM Cap, spiritual director of SJKC.
The celebrations commenced with the traditional nine-day Novena, helped the members of SJKC to prepare spiritually for the grand celebration of Monthi Fest on September 12. Each day of the Novena, the members of SJKC reflected on a different theme centered on the life, virtues and example of Mother Mary, inviting the community to deepen their faith and devotion while journeying together in prayer towards the celebration of the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The nine-day Novena was prayerfully presided over by Fr Valerian Fernandes OFM Cap, chancellor and judicial vicar; Fr Darick D’Souza OFM Cap, secretary to the bishop; Fr Rohan Miranda OFM Cap, spiritual director of SJKC; Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza OFM Cap, vicar provincial of the Holy Trinity Province; and Fr Maxim Cardoza, parish priest of St Paul’s Church, Mussafah, who accompanied SJKC members throughout its spiritual preparation for the feast.
The sixth day of the Novena was particularly blessed and memorable, with the gracious presence of His Grace, bishop Paolo Martinelli OFM Cap, Apostolic vicar of Southern Arabia. His Grace, bishop Paolo Martinelli celebrated the Holy Mass, and then conducted Novena, a significantly great number of SJKC members were present for the celebration.
The sixth day also witnessed the felicitation of SJKC’s young achievers, including students who secured 80% and above in the grade 10 and grade 12 board examinations, as well as youngsters who participated in national-level events and competitions. The achievers were honoured by His Grace, bishop Paolo Martinelli OFM Cap, making it a proud and memorable moment for the community.
On Saturday, September 12, the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Monthi Fest) was celebrated with great devotion, joy and festive fervor. The celebration began with the much-loved traditional showering of flowers in honour of Mother Mary in the outdoor area of the church, bringing together children, families and the entire community in a beautiful expression of faith and devotion. This was followed by the Solemn Festive High Mass at St Therese Church.
Fr Lancy Rebello OFM Cap was the main celebrant of the festive Mass and delivered a beautiful and inspiring homily on the theme, “Mary, the Tabernacle of the Living God: Mary and the Holy Eucharist.” It was concelebrated by Fr Peter P M OFM Cap, vicar delegate; Fr Michael Fernandes, Custos of Arabia; Fr Chito Bunda Bartolo OFM Cap, parish priest of St Joseph’s Cathedral; Fr Darick D’Souza OFM Cap, secretary to the bishop; Fr Rohan Miranda, assistant parish priest of St Joseph’s Cathedral; Fr Victor Fernandes, assistant parish priest of St Mary’s Catholic Church, Dubai; Fr Edwin Monis, assistant parish priest of St Michael’s Catholic Church, Sharjah and Fr John Bosco Mosha OFM Cap, and Fr Stefano Luca, assistant parish priests of St Joseph’s Cathedral. The presence of the clergy added to the solemnity and spiritual significance of the Eucharistic celebration, making it a truly blessed occasion for the entire community.
Fr Rohan Miranda OFM Cap, spiritual director of SJKC, warmly welcomed the gathering.
Continuing SJKC’s cherished tradition of recognising individuals and families for their dedicated service and valuable contributions to the Church and the Konkani community, this year’s Community Service Recognition was presented to Elvis Estibeiro, Egbert Pinto, and Joel Crasta and family.
As part of the traditional Monthi Fest observance, families and individuals who offered Murdhom during the Novena and the Feast Day were acknowledged and presented with blessed candles as a token of faith and gratitude.
The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks by Chrysil Nonis D’Mello, coordinator of St Joseph’s Konkani Community (SJKC), who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the priests, volunteers, choirs, families and everyone who generously contributed their time, dedication and efforts towards the nine-day Novena and the grand celebration of Monthi Fest.
Following the holy Mass, the community gathered at the Parish Hall for the traditional festive community meal, ‘Novem Jevan’. Community members came together in fellowship to share the traditional meal, prepared by Caesars Restaurant, continuing a cherished custom that remains an integral part of Monthi Fest. A short cultural programme added color and joy to the gathering, providing a wonderful opportunity for the community to celebrate together.
For SJKC in Abu Dhabi, Monthi Fest is more than a celebration, it is a beautiful reminder of faith, family and our roots. Bringing generations together, the feast keeps alive the Konkani language, culture and cherished traditions while passing them on to the young. Monthi Fest 2026 once again united the community as one family, celebrating a heritage carried from our homeland and treasured in our hearts.