Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Omzoor, Sep 9, 2024 : The 9 days culminated with the celebration of the feast of Nativity of Virgin Mary also called "Monthi Fest" at Holy Family Church ,Omzoor on Sunday, September 8. The preparation for the Mothi Fest commenced on August 30, followed by morning nine days of novena prayers which ended on September 8 with the delightful children carrying colourful beautiful flowers in beautiful dresses.

The Monthi Fest began with a large number of children and devotees gathering in front of the Grotto. Parish priest Rev Fr. William Menezes began with the blessing of the paddy corns . After the brief ceremony and blessings of paddy corn, the devotees proceeded for a marian procession carrying the blessed Statue of Infant Mary followed by carrying blessed paddy corns by the parish Ward Gurkars.

Followed by offering flowers on Nativity of Virgin Mary, Solemn High Mass celebrated by parish priest Rev Fr.William Menezes. In his festive homily, he highlighted the tradition and devotion for the "Monthi Saibin". He also mentioned that this feast day of Mother Mary is also dedicated to the 'Girl Child'. Girl children are a blessing as life is procreated into the world through a woman. Every girl child is destined to be a daughter, a mother, a wife, a sister. They are pillars to their families and the society ,one girl child is equal to ten sons. It is important that we make efforts to protect the dignity of girl children considering the heartbreaking realities that have been prevailing in the society with regards to female infanticide and violence against women.

Soon after the holy mass blessed paddy corns , sweets and sugarcane were distributed to all devotees.