Parish News

Report: Joel Barboza
Pictures: Melric Dsouza

The Feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary, fondly referred to as “Monthi Saibinnichem Festh” is celebrated with great fervour and devotion all over the world especially by the Konkani Catholic community. On this day, the newly harvested paddy (Khanshi) is also blessed and distributed for consumption amongst all families of the parish.

The festal celebration service commenced at 7:30 AM in the church premises with the prayer service and blessing of the newly harvested paddy by the main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Maxim Noronha - Vicar General of Mangalore Diocese, and our Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Henry Mascarenhas as the co-celebrant, along with a multitude of devout parishioners in attendance. A large group of children across all ages offered flowers to beloved Mother Mary in a fitting culmination of the Novena to Mother Mary held in the parish over the past 9 days.

The newly harvested paddy was taken in procession to the church by the Gurkaars of all 14 wards of the parish and the ceremony continued with the solemn Eucharistic celebration inside the church.  The liturgy was led by the children of Marian Sodality. During the homily, Rev Fr. Maxim Noronha highlighted the importance of Mother Mary in our spiritual journey. He reiterated the importance of commemorating this day as the feast of family and togetherness and alluded to the importance of women’s safety on Girl Child Day.

The vibrant choir team, led by Dr. Vincent Alva and the assembled congregation actively joined in harmony providing soulful melody to the celebratory mass.

The September issue of "Khursaacho Taalo'' was released by Rev. Fr. Maxim Noronha - Vicar General of Mangalore Diocese, and our Parish Vicar Rev. Fr. Henry Mascarenhas along with Parish Vice President Mrs. Asuntha Dsouza & Secretary of Parish Council Mr. Tony Monis. Co-ordinator of 18 commissions, Mrs. Violet Castelino and Editor of the magazine, Mr. Wilfred Pinto were present.

This was followed by the felicitation of Mr. Stany Noronha, who had previously served as the Gurkaar of St Lawrence Ward and his contributions over the past 10 years were appreciated.

Another vibrant parishioner, Mr. Naveen Mendonca, who is a lyricist and music producer, was felicitated and his latest song “Monti Fest Kutma Fest” was showcased.

Parish Vicar Rev. Fr. Henry expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped in making the ceremony and 9-day novena successful. The parishioners who sponsored the distribution of sweets and gifts during the Novena, and other contributors to the festivity celebrations were acknowledged for their benevolence. The Ward-Gurkaars distributed the newly harvested paddy to parishioners.

After the celebratory mass, cake along with sugarcane (Kobu) - specially harvested for feast day was distributed to all the gathered faithful as a traditional treat.