Media Release
Canberra, Sep 15: The Canberra Konkan Community (CKC) began its Monthi Fest celebrations with a deeply spiritual nine-day novena a cherished tradition that brought families together through prayer, floral offerings and shared meals.
Each evening, different CKC members generously opened their homes, welcoming the community into a warm circle of faith and fellowship. After the prayers, hosts served delicious home cooked dinners that were especially comforting on Canberra’s cold winter nights. The enthusiasm of the younger generation made these gatherings even more meaningful. On one evening, a CKC member arrived home late from work and considered missing the novena; however, seeing her children dressed, ready and eager to attend persuaded her to go.
Their excitement was a touching reminder that when traditions are lived joyfully, children do not simply inherit them, they inspire adults to keep them alive. The novena culminated in Monthi Fest, the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated at St John the Apostle Church, Holt, on September 12, the weekend following the traditional feast day of September 8.
Building on last year’s collaboration, CKC once again partnered with Karaval Konkans Australia Inc for a special national novena evening. Konkan communities from Canberra, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Newcastle, Launceston and Melbourne joined virtually to pray together as one united community. The gathering beautifully transcended distance and strengthened the bonds of shared faith, language and heritage. CKC warmly thanks Karaval Konkans Australia Inc. for making this meaningful celebration possible.
For Mangalorean Catholics, Monthi Fest carries centuries of faith and tradition. In Canberra, it helps children understand their heritage and the values of prayer, hospitality and fellowship. Rooted in India’s Konkan coast, the celebration also honours Konkani, the language that gives the community its distinctive voice.
The Mass, led by Msgr Alfred Rayan D’Souza and choir, brought this heritage to life through prayer and melodious Konkani hymns. His fluent Konkani and pastoral guidance gave families a comforting sense of home, even while living far from India. More than words, the Konkani language carries family stories, affection and a deep sense of belonging across generations.
A defining feature of the celebration was the joyful participation of every generation.
Children, young people, parents and elders prayed, served and celebrated side by side.
Lay members led the first reading and prayers of the faithful, making worship truly communal.
For Australian-born children, hearing and speaking Konkani helped the language feel natural and proudly their own.
Offering flowers during the veneration ceremony allowed them to experience faith through active participation. The celebration then flowed into warm fellowship around a traditional Mangalorean meal.
Familiar aromas and flavours sparked conversations about family recipes, customs and treasured memories.
Prayer, hymns, food and fellowship transformed Monthi Fest into a living classroom of faith and culture.
Families were encouraged to nurture Konkani through everyday conversation, prayers, songs and stories at home. When the next generation can pray, laugh, sing and belong in Konkani, this precious tradition continues to live.