Muscat, 16 September 2010: Monthi Fest’ the feast of Nativity was celebrated in a exotic manner by the Konkani community of Holy Spirit Church Ghala, Muscat commerating the birthday of mother Mary on Thursday , September 9th 2010 .
The celebration began at 4.30pm with the rosary at Grotto followed by blessing of the new crop (Novemn) showering of Flowers by children and adults in large number. The solemn High Mass in Konkani was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Peter Machado, The Bishop of Belgaum as the main celebrant and Fr. CannuteBarboza, Rev Fr. Kaithan , Rev.Fr. Albert D’silva the Parish Priest of Ghala parish and Fr. Bose, Assistant Parish Priest.
The procession started from the main church entrance with Altar server, Lay ministers and Baby mother Mary statue and people entered the church in large numbers. The Homily was given by Rev. Fr. Canute Barboza. He spoke about Monthi Fest the meaning of Monthi and the life of Mother Mary. He emphasized the qualities of mother mary and called each and every one to honour the girl child and women who are Mother Mary in the families. Liturgy was well conducted with melodius hyms dedicated to the Mother Mary sung by the Konkani Choir.
After the mass as the people were coming out of the church the blessed corn with a prayer leaflet of Mother Mary was distributed to all. As the people moved to the Basket ball court for the cultural evening Juice and cake was given. The Children were given Goodie Bags with toys and snacks.
The Konkani Catholic community , Muscat hosted a cultural evening and “Novemn Jovan” which commenced at 7.30 pm. The Bishop of Belgaum Rev. Fr. Peter Machado, Fr. Canute Barboza along with the parish priest inaugurated the cultural programme . The Blessings on the Novemn Jovan was done in a special way were all elders carried each food item on to the stage. The vegetarian meal was served in banana leaves in a traditional manner. The meal was served as the cultural programme was going on.