Pics: Basil Serrao

Kenya, Sep 13: For the sixth year in succession, members of Kanara Konkani Catholics of Nairobi (KKCN), with support from Consolata Shrine, celebrated Monti Fest with fervor on Saturday September 8 at Consolata Shrine, Nairobi.

The Novena in preparation for the event was held for nine consecutive Saturday’s with candle light rosary, showering of flowers and reflection at the grotto, where a 2.8 metre tall statue of our Lady of Consolata, manufactured in Mangaluru, donated by KKCN members is installed.

During Novena for nine Saturdays, various virtues of Our Lady were reflected upon to enrich the understanding of our Mother with the theme for the entire Novena period for this year set by Fr Leo Fernando SVD. Priests from SVD along with Jesuits assisted in the nine consecutive Saturdays Novena. Fr Jackson Murugara IMC, parish priest, Consolata Shrine was also present during the celebration and expressed his gratitude for all the visiting priests for their assistance and members of KKCN for their efforts in organizing this unique and beautiful festivity at the shrine.

Feast day holy mass was celebrated on Saturday September 8 at the grotto, led by Fr Leo Fernando, assisted by Fr Francis Rodrigues SJ, Fr Sidney D’Souza SJ and deacon Kim. Over 200 faithful, majority of Kenyan faithful participated in the mass, signifying increase in popularity of the event, considering presence of only about 30 people in the year 2013.

Maize corn was distributed to the families after blessing them during the mass.

KKCN is planning to celebrate the event along with all Mangalureans on Saturday September 15.