Media Release
Sydney, Sep 17: It was a beautiful day of spring when a large number of Mangalurean Sydneysiders and their friends celebrated the Nativity Feast (Monthi Fest) on Sunday September 13 organized by the Mangalorean Catholic Association of Sydney Inc (MCAS).
The mass was conducted strictly under the current COVID-19 regulations of the NSW government, and the church was fully booked at the maximum capacity of 100 people.
The venue was the sprawling Good Shepherd parish at Plumpton Hon David Clarke, MLC and Marisa Clarke attended the festal mass. The altar and the statue of Mother Mary were elegantly decorated with flowers.
MCAS president, Stanley D’Cruz, in his opening remarks welcomed all the attendees and briefly explained the significance of the Monthi fest. He reminded all present, of the origin of the feast in Monte Mariano, Farangipet where it was started by a Goan priest Fr Joachim Miranda 1n 1763. He reminded that it was a divine coincidence that the celebrant and the parish priest, Fr Vincy D'Costa, OFM Cap a Goan priest also spent some seminary years at Monte Mariano.
Monthi Fest he said binds Mangalurean Catholics globally. Stanley also acclaimed the stupendous work performed by the front line workers and health warriors of MCAS during this pandemic and mentioned Dr Astrid Dias and Dr Ruella Clipsham who were present.
Fr Vincy commenced the celebration of the holy mass. Due to the COVID-19 regulations only recorded music was played. Deacon, Roque Dias of Parramatta diocese assisted in the mass liturgy.
The first and second gospel readings were done by 14-year-old Andrea Pinto and 11-year-old Ethan Furtado.
Fr Vincy delivered an awe-inspiring homily. He explained the significance and the history of the Monthi Fest in three places, Mangaluru, Mount Mary Bandra and Goa. Mangalurean Catholics have a great devotion to Mother Mary, as evidenced by the celebration of this feast in all parts of the world. He also dwelled on the tradition of Novem Jevan (new meal) that was started at Monte Mariano from the new crops of spring. He also recalled his religious days in Mangaluru.
Nireeksha D'Souza recited the prayers of the faithful.
After the mass, Rowena Sequeira, social secretary of MCAS proposed a vote of thanks. She thanked all the participants, the celebrant and the special invitees for attending this beautiful service. Rowena also commended the determination of the MCAS committee in keeping the Monthi Fest tradition alive, so that the holy mass could be held and celebrated, despite these uncertain COVID-19 times. She also thanked the committee for getting together to prepare the Novem Jevan for all the attendees.
All the children were called to come forward in a procession to Mother Mary’s statue which was beautifully decorated with an excellent range of colourful flowers. The children were quite excited and threw flowers amid the singing of Sakkad Sangantha Melaon.
To conclude the Monthi Fest celebrations, the children then cut a cake for Mother Mary baked for the occasion by Nikita D'Souza. For showing their devotion to Mother Mary, all the children were presented with goodie bags as they exited.
Due to the sombre COVID situation, and the current regulations, MCAS provided authentic Mangalurean take away Novem Jevan packets to all the mass attendees. This food was home-cooked by the MCAS committee members and was much appreciated.
Overall, the MCAS Nativity Feast celebration in Sydney during this COVIDd-19 pandemic time was an outstanding success and the MCAS members and their friends are profusely thanked for their full attendance and patronage, and the work done by the MCAS Committee.
Many attendees complimented MCAS for organizing such a good event in the current situation. One attendee wrote: It is a real feather in MCAS cap to carry out and keep the tradition and the thoughtful act of packing an authentic meal for all the attendees…! I am sure with your report and pictures our worldwide Kutamb will be happy to read and view.
