Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 10: The feast of Nativity of blessed virgin Mary, also called Monthi fest, was celebrated with devotion at Infant Mary Church, Bajjodi on Sunday, September 8.
Blessing of new paddy was held at the church ground. The beautiful age-old tradition of showering of flowers on mother Mary's statue by children was performed to the accompaniment of hymns. The congregation went in procession to the church, singing devotional hymns, accompanied by Bambina Mary.
Fr Deep Fernandes was the main celebrant. Parish priest Fr Ivan D’Souza, Fr Patrick Lobo, Deacon Roshan Monteiro, Deacon Sunil D'Souza concelebrated the eucharist. In his homily, Fr Deep Fernandes expounded the uniqueness of the feast and stressed on the role of the family in the church. After mass, Fr Deep Fernandes honoured the main sponsors by distributing blessed candles.
Fr Ivan D'Souza thanked everyone for their wholehearted support which led to the success of the feast. New grains and sugarcane were distributed to the parishioners. Children were given ice creams which they enjoyed.
The parish family joined together in the parish hall for a cultural extravaganza. The celebration was initiated by a prayer song by the altar servers. Fr Ivan D’Souza, Fr Patrick Lobo, Fr Jocy D’Souza, vice president Joseph Mascarenhas, secretary, Irene Pinto, corporator Keshav were present for the programme. Joseph Mascarenhas welcomed the gathering. Members of ten wards as well as youth entertained everyone with beautiful dances and skits that kept the audience cheering throughout.
Fr Patrick Lobo in his message stressed that there should always be joy in the family.
In the second part of the programme, Lancy Moras, popularly known as LHM presented his 14th musical nite. This nite enthralled the music lovers till the end with a variety of compositions.
Fr Ivan D’Souza thanked the parishioners who had put in great efforts to make this event an outstanding success. Irene Pinto delivered the message of thanks. Iden Crasta compered the programme. Fr Ivan D'Souza then blessed the sweet vorn to which newly blessed corn was added, followed by the traditional vegetarian meal with a variety of vegetables and alu-dento and vorn recollecting the sweet memories of Novem Jevan.