Media Release
Dubai, Sep 11: With radiant joy and deep devotion, St Mary’s Mangalorean Community (SMMC-Dubai) celebrated the beloved Monti Feast the Nativity of Mother Mary on September 5 at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Dubai, under the spiritual guidance of Fr Victor Fernandes OFM Cap.
Monti Fest, cherished by the Konkani-speaking community, is more than a religious celebration it's a vibrant harvest festival that honors family unity, gratitude, and tradition. This year’s theme, 'Mori Borvoshyachi Rani' beautifully captured the spirit of renewal and reverence.
Beginning from August 27, nine days of novena prayers were offered with special intentions for the community. Each day, hundreds of children showered flowers on Infant Mary while singing soulful devotional hymns. Sweet boxes were lovingly distributed to children, symbolizing Mother Mary’s nurturing grace. The church and grotto were adorned with colorful lights and floral arrangements, creating a festive ambiance that echoed the joy of the season.
On the tenth day, over 8,000 faithful devotees gathered for the solemn Eucharistic celebration. The festivities began with a grand procession led by the iconic Konkan Taram Brass Band, playing the beloved hymn 'Sakkad Sangatha Mellyam'. Following them were altar servers, children with flowers, representatives from each Mangalurean community association to mark our unity in celebration - EKVOT representatives, representatives of eucharistic ministers, Infant Mary’s statue in palki and priests. The blessing of the newly harvested corn (paddy) flown in from Mangalore marked a sacred moment. Children offered floral tributes to Infant Mary as the choir sang 'Moriek Hogolsiyam'. The statue of Infant Mary and the blessed harvest (Novem) were reverently carried to the altar.
The high Mass was celebrated by main celebrant Fr Denis Gabriel Veigas OFM Cap, superior of Monte Marian Friary, Farangipete, Mangaluru, and concelebrated by Fr Andre Francisco Fernandes, OFM Cap, Fr Leny Escalada, OFM Cap, Fr Denis Saldanha OFM Cap, Fr Varghese Kozhippadan, OFM Cap, Fr Maria Dass Irudayam, OFM Cap, Fr Michael Cardoz, deacon Roy and enhanced the festive joy. after the mass, Kanshi (blessed corn) was distributed to all, followed by a sumptuous Novem Jevann meal prepared by Shetty Lunch Home, Karama.
The entire celebration was orchestrated and led by coordinator Joseph Mathias and SMMC core committee members, with tireless support from SMKV volunteers and ushers solidarity. Fr Victor Fernandes expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “I am overwhelmed to see all the devotees joining us in large numbers to celebrate this feast. It demonstrates our faith, unity, and bonding towards our traditions and beliefs.”
The event evoked nostalgic memories of Monti Fest with the Konkan Taram Brass Band playing Mangalurean and Goan tunes, bringing the homeland’s spirit to Dubai.