Report and pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (SP)

Mumbai, Sep 8: The Catholic Christians from coastal Karnataka districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada, apart from Kasargod in Kerala, who have settled down in the metro, exulted in celebrating the birth anniversary of Mother Mary as per the customs prevalent at their native places, on Tuesday September 8, at St Joseph's Church at Mira Road (east) here.

St Joseph's Church Konkani Association of St Joseph's Church here, had made arrangements four unique celebrations of the Monti Fest as observed in the coastal Karnataka, like 'Noven Jevan', Girl Children’s Day, and festival of the new corn, on this occasion today morning.

Chief priest of the Church, Fr Dominic Vas OCD, performed the Novena and concelebrated the Eucharist. In the presence of a huge crowd of devotees, the corn brought from their native places, were blessed. Assistant priests of the church, Fr Deepak Thomas, Fr Ivan D'Souza, Fr John Pinto and Fr Michael M Shenoy took part in the celebrations.  Later, the young children offered flowers to the decorated statue of Virgin Mary. The devotees then took out a procession through the roads in Mira Road, taking with them the decorated idol of  Mother Vailankanni.

On this occasion, St Joseph's Konkani Association president Joe Crasta, vice-president Violet Mascarenhas, secretary Canute Menezes, treasurer Lawrence Mathias, joint secretary Deigo Rodriges, joint treasurer Arun Noronha, cultural committee secretary Joy Paladka,  Paul D'Souza of Mass committee, Metilda Gonsalves etc., were present. Entrepreneur Maxim Mathias sponsored the sugarcanes that are traditionally distributed during the Monti Fest. Several donors also sponsored various sweets that were distributed on the occasion.