Mangaluru: Catholics across all parishes of the Diocese of Mangalore and the wider coastal Karnataka region celebrated ‘Monthi Fest’—the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary—with profound religious devotion, traditional joy, and gratitude on September 8.
Leading the diocesan celebrations, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, presided over the solemn festal Eucharist at St Anthony’s Ashram in Jeppu. The Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr J.B. Crasta, Director of St Anthony’s Ashram; Rev. Fr Praveen Amrith Martis, Administrator; and Rev. Fr F.X. Gomes.
Delivering his homily to the large gathering of faithful and ashram residents, Bishop Saldanha reflected on the virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary, highlighting her as the mother of the Church and a model of steadfast faith. He seamlessly connected the spiritual significance of the nativity with the cultural harvest traditions of the region. The Bishop underscored the festival’s unique focus on family unity, the dignity of the girl child, and environmental stewardship.
“Monthi Fest is a beautiful confluence of faith, family, and the fruits of the earth,” Bishop Saldanha stated during his sermon. “As we bless the new harvest, we are reminded to care for God’s creation and to strengthen our familial bonds in the light of Mother Mary’s love and humility. It is a day that challenges us to honour the girl child and gather in gratitude.”
Mirroring the celebrations at the ashram, festivities commenced in the morning at parish churches across the diocese with the traditional blessing of the newly harvested corn (Novem). In a vibrant display of devotion, children gathered in their respective parishes to offer colourful floral tributes to the infant Mary, accompanied by the singing of traditional Konkani hymns. This cherished ritual was followed by solemn Eucharistic celebrations led by parish priests, bringing together generations of the faithful in prayer.
Following the liturgical services across the region, blessed corn and sugarcane were distributed to the gathered parishioners. The celebration then extended from the churches to homes, where families gathered for the traditional Novem Jevan—a festive vegetarian meal shared together incorporating the newly blessed corn. This enduring tradition brought relatives back to their ancestral homes, renewing family ties and keeping the rich cultural heritage of Mangalorean Catholics vibrant for the next generation.