Media Release

Brisbane, Sep 9: The Monthi Fest celebration, orchestrated by the Mangalorean Catholic Association of Brisbane (MCAB), has emerged as a cornerstone event for the Mangalurean Catholic community. This cherished harvest festival, honouring the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, witnessed an extraordinary gathering this year, with over 250 participants coming together in faith and fellowship.

In a heartfelt gesture, Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane bestowed his blessings upon the congregation, articulating his well-wishes in Konkani with the phrase ‘Dev Borem Korum', meaning ‘May God bless you'. This expression, steeped in Mangalurean Catholic tradition, accentuated the festival's profound cultural and spiritual resonance.

Monthi Fest is a vibrant tapestry of prayers, processions, the blessing of new crops, and communal meals each element reinforcing the bonds of unity within the Mangalurean Catholic community while paying homage to their deep-rooted faith and heritage. A particularly touching moment came when children, carrying fresh flowers, joyfully showered them upon Mother Mary as a brass band played in the background, creating a scene of both reverence and celebration.

This was followed by a Mass that resonated deeply with attendees, blending English and Konkani choirs. The familiar strains of Konkani hymns, heard in the heart of Brisbane, evoked a powerful sense of nostalgia and connection to home.

Following the Mass, the congregation gathered in the church hall for a period of veneration and the opportunity to take cherished photos with the statue of Mother Mary. The event then transitioned to a traditional Mangalurean vegetarian lunch, featuring five carefully prepared dishes and ‘vorn’, a beloved Mangalurean dessert, all shared among the 250-strong assembly.

The day's celebrations continued with a series of cultural programmes organized by MCAB. A highlight was a tableau featuring eight children, each dressed as a different representation of Mother Mary from around the world. This was complemented by singing and skits performed in Konkani, bringing the rich cultural traditions of the community to life. The festivities concluded with community singing, drawing the event to a joyful close.

This year’s Monthi Fest was one of the largest and most memorable ever celebrated in Brisbane, a testament to the enduring spirit and unity of the Mangalurean Catholic community.