Media Release
Ranchi, Sep 9: The traditional Monthi Fest (Nativity of Our Lady) was celebrated in Ranchi by Mangaloreans, Goans, East Indians, Marathi and Kannada speaking people.
Agnel Ashrams run by Pilar Fathers in Dibadhi (near Doranda) hosted the gathering. The celebration began with the Holy Eucharist at 10 am.
Fr Maxim Pinto, professor of Philosophy in Jalandhar Seminary (Punjab) was the main celebrant. He is from Hospet Parish in Mangalore, and belongs to the Delhi archdiocese. Along with him 15 other priests con-celebrated. Fr Joseph Prasad Pinto, Fr Raju Felix Crasta, Fr Deepak Tauro, Fr John Crasta (all four from St Albert’s College Ranchi), Fr Vijay Kamath, Fr Sebastian, Fr Gabriel were among the prominent priests present.
Fr Maxim Pinto in his homily explained the historic significance of the fest.
"The word Monthi has come from Portuguese word called Monte which means mountain. There are two traditions how the feast came to be. According to one, the origin of this feast can be traced to Montemarianno, the Capuchin’s place in Frangipet, Mangalore. Fr Joachim Miranda started this devotion which became famous as Monthi fest. According to second tradition, the origin is traced to St Mary’s Church, Bandra, where Portuguese along with Goans started this devotion. Traditional gumta songs narrate these incidents," he said.
"Today, the monthi fest is associated with sugar cane and new corns (harvest). In the Maharashtra region, when Ganeshotsav was celebrated people used to offer sugarcane and flowers. Christians found these meaningful gestures to inculcate in to the devotion. Thus, over the years it became part and parcel of the tradition. Secondly, Konkani speaking people were not sugar-cane cultivating people, however, they were agriculturists," he said.
Eating new-rice (novem) also has a rich meaning. When Christians were being persecuted by anti-Christian elements, they got dispersed from one place to another. Some went south Canara and some to southern Goa and elsewhere. But wherever they went, once-a-year, they remembered everyone as a family. It was fitting gesture to remember them on the day of the birthday of Mother Mary where, Marian Nine days of devotion (Novena) had actually become famous. It helped the people to re-live new life by eating new-corn on this day by remembering all near and dear ones.
The gathering was meaningfully arranged by Peter D’Costa, Dr Helga Chen and Sr Bernard. Fr Raju Felix Crasta was the master of ceremony.
Pilar Fathers and sisters of Bethany Convent conducted a meaningful choir. Dr Helga introduced everyone by means of an ice-breaker. Pilar Fathers sang the traditional 'Mando'. They were supported by ‘Good Shephered Club’ headed by Rodericks and his group.