Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 9 : The feast of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary popularly known as “Monthi Fest “ was solemnly celebrated at Guardian Angel Church, Angelore on Thursday September 8, 2022. The celebration of the birth of Mother Mary began at 7.30 am at the Guardian Angel’s School by blessing the New paddy and offering flowers to Mother Mary. Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha Assistant Parish Priest conducted the prayer service and blessed the New paddy. The children offered flowers to Mother Mary as the choir sang the hymn “Moriyke hogolisayam’. After the blessing of New Corn, the faithful proceeded in a procession to the church led by Mr. Noel Pinto Vice president Parish Pastoral Council and all Gurkars carrying the blessed new paddy.

The Solemn Holy Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr Dixson Lawrence D’Souza as main celebrant along with Rev. Fr William Menezes, Parish Priest and Rev. Fr. Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest. Rev. Fr. Dixson Lawrence D’Souza in his homily highlighted the significance of Mother Mary in the Catholic faith and also the importance of the feast of Nativity. The feast signifies unity in family and respect for the girl child and women. He emphasized that the feast brings all families together and also teaches us how to forgive and appreciate our family members. The melodious hymns of the choir added colour to the Eucharistic celebration. Fr. William Menezes conveyed the greetings of Monthi Fest to all the parishioners and thanked all the parishioners who had helped in celebrating the feast.

Following the mass, the Gurkars distributed Blessed new paddy to the devotees. With the cooperation of Gurkars, Parish Council members, AYM and YCS members, the feast was a grand success. After the mass, sugarcane was distributed to the children. Parishioners also tasted the sweetness of the traditional delicacy ‘Vorn’. The incessant rain did not hamper the festive spirit.