Chicago, Sept 8: The members of the Mangalorean Konkan Christian Association (MKCA/USA) joined together with their friends and families to celebrate the Nativity of mother Mary (Monthi Fest) at the century old magnificent Church at Divine Word Mission, Techny Towers, Northbrook, IL. When the Sun set in the West today, it was a Sunrise in the East, the actual day of Monthi Fest in Mangalore. For Mangaloreans, Monthi Fest is traditionally combined with harvest feast, wherein the new crop is offered to the Creator. The blessed corn is then mixed with the festive meal and partaken with kin and kith of the family. For the Mangaloreans in Chicago, it was an early Thanksgiving as the feast closely aligns with North American Thanksgiving celebration.

The program began with a procession with children carrying flowers to express their love, respect and devotion to Mother Mary, which was culminated by offering a single most beautiful flower to the statue of Infant Mary. With the singing of “Sokkod Sangatha Mellyam” and “Moriyek Hogollsiyam”, children were rejoicing with admiration and joy.

The Holy Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Richie Vaz