Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (EP)
Mumbai, Sep 8: The feast of Nativity popularly known as ‘Monthi Fest’ was celebrated with religious fervour at St Joseph’s Church in Mira Road which is popularly known as Mini Mangaluru in Mumbai, on Saturday, September 8.
Carmelite congregation Karnataka and Goa Regional superior, Fr Charles Serrao (OCD) offered high mass and gave a sermon on the Nativity of Mother Mary. He blessed the new yield of rice grains, cereal grains and vegetable brought by farmers.
In his sermon, Fr Charles Serrao said, “Mother Mary is a creator of family bond and the Mother who fulfils the prayers of devotees. Her birthday is a natural celebration filled with diversity. The value of family life is unique and respect to the mother is prominent among them. Family life is important in India. The respect to women is the ultimate respect to Mother Mary. Everybody should be bound by the life of coexistence. Let us celebrate the feast by expressing our gratitude to our mother”.
Guest priest Fr Mark Furtado, assistant parish priest Fr Joachim Rodrigues, Fr Diogo Proenca, Fr Roshan D’Souza, Fr Lancy Mendonsa, Fr Daniel Christian, Fr Denis Misquith participated in the holy mass and showed their respect to the mother.
On the occasion, donors and sponsors were presented candles as a mark of respect. Chief Parish priest Fr Melwin D’Cunha conveyed his wishes on the eve of the feast.
Fr Charles Serrao later distributed the blessed corns to the devotees present. Thousands of devotees took the statue of Velankanni Mother Mary in procession to the nearby streets.
The feast under the direction of Konkani Welfare Association spiritual director Fr Melwin D’ Cunha, association president John Crasta, vice president Sofie D’Sa, secretary Arun Noronha, treasurer Lawrence Mathais, joint secretary Gaigo Rodrigues, joint treasurer Richard Mathais and other office bearers and members, was celebrated as per the tradition of Konkani Catholic community of the coastal region.