News and Pics By Rons Bantwal
For Daijiworld Media Network—Mumbai (CN)
Mumbai, Sep 15: Konkani-speaking Christians came together for a grand celebration to thank the Creator for the plentiful harvest this year, on saturday September 13. The occasion was the Nativity of the Mother of God and the venue was St Teresa's Church, Bandra west.
The initiative taken a decade ago by Fr Henry D’Souza(SVD Fajir) to transplant ‘Monti Fest’ into the urban setting of the metro today attracts faithful from all across the city and has made the festival an annual feature at the church.
This year's celebration commenced at 5.30 pm with children entering in a procession, offering flowers to Mary Bambina. Fr Salvador Serrao SVD, blessed the new harvest, and fresh sheaves of rice had been brought from Mangalore for the purpose. Blessed candles were offered to the patrons to symbolically thank them for their contributions.
Fr Rudolf D’Souza, parish priest, St Joseph's Church, Mira Road, was the main celebrant for the mass with beautiful hymns, a meaningful liturgy, and an inspiring homily. The remarkable rendering of old hymns by the youth choir leaded by Fr Baptist Pais SVD, parish priest, Sacred Heart Church, Andheri East, was the highlight of the celebration.
According to tradition, a drink of milk mixed with crushed new grain was consumed by all. Fr Vincent Fernandes, parish priest, St Theresa’s Church, and Fr Melwyn Rosario were the other celebrants for the mass.
After an hour-long entertainment programme, a traditional vegetarian dinner was partaken of by all. Joy Saldanha and Juliet D’Silva organized the programme.
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