by Aakash Poojari Polali
Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (NR)
Bangalore Sept 9: The festival of Nativity of Our Lady, 'Monthi Fest' is seen here as being celebrated with a great deal of devotion, gaiety and enthusiasm by the Mangalorean community. It is that time of the year again, when you see children gather in large numbers to display their devotion to Mother Mary, on her birthday, especially at the St Joseph's Boys School Chapel in Bangalore, on Sunday, 9 September afternoon.
The Dakshina Kannada Catholics celebrate whole-heartedly the occasion of the feast of the Nativity of Mary (Montiche Fest). It actually marks the start of the harvest season and hence is celebrated as such, particularly among the Mangalorean Konkani community. Mass begins at 11:00 am on 9.9.07 at St Joseph's Boys' School Chapel followed by the traditional Mangalorean lunch.
The participants at the main celebration for the Mass comprised His Grace, the Rev Archbishop Emeritus, Dr Ignatius Pinto, Fr. Hilly Pereira, Fr Manoj D'souza, Fr Johan Mendonsha and Henry D Souza. After mass, the harvest crop (paddy) is blessed which is being served later during lunch. Little children offer flowers to our Lady and sing her praise.
Kanara Catholic Associationm (KCA) is 53 years old and consists of over 2,000 members and their families. The KCA, Bangalore is involved mainly in the promotion of Konkani language and Mangalorean culture. Besides, KCA is also involved in several social work projects.
KCA president Bertha Fernandes welcomed the gathering on the occasion.
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