Report by John William Dsouza, Secretary, Konkani Christian Association, Mysore.

Mysore, Sep 7 : The harvest feast and the Nativity of our lady was celebrated with a renewed grandeur on Sunday, 7th September, 2014 at St. Joseph's Cathedral (St. Philomena's Church), Mysore. Episcopal Vicar Rev. Fr. Desmond Rebello blessed the new paddy at 10.00am following which both, the young and the old offered flowers to the statue of Infant Mary.

After blessing, paddy was taken in a grand procession to the church and offered the same to the Almighty. The Eucharistic Celebration was solemnized by Rev. Fr. Alfred Menezes and Rev. Fr. George Santhumayor and Rev. Fr. Jerald Sequeira along with four other priests. The congregation of 1500 people comprised of Konkani Christian families from 3 other districts namely, Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Coorg. The youth, along with the brothers from Pushpashrama rendered their melodious voices to the choir conducted by Mrs. Victoria D'Costa. Gracian Rodrigues, President of Konkani Christian Association, Mysore addressed the gathering. John William DSouza, Secretary, Konkani Christian Association proposed the vote of thanks. The blessed paddy was distributed and vorn (sweet) which symbolizes oneness was served among the gathering.