LET’S BE THE GOOD CHILDREN OF MOTHER MARY: FR. JOSEPH MARTIS
(PHOTO / REPORT: RONS BANTWAL)

Mumbai, Sept. 08: The birthday of Virgin Mary has been celebrated on Thursday morning at St. Joseph’s Church of Seethal Nagar at Mira Road (E) which is popular as mini Mangalore of Mumbai Sub-urban area.

The Rector of St. Joseph Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore – Rev. Fr. Joseph Martis performed the thanks-giving mass. The Parish Priest of the church – Rev. Fr. Melwyn D’Cunha (OCD) blessed the new rice spikes, cereals and grains, vegetables, etc. offered by the farmers and celebrated the nativity feast.

Fr. Martis delivery moral speech and said, “We are celebrating this fest as nativity feast. This celebration brings happy to all the people. Hence, the primary outcome of nature is the produce of God and we should use it with great care and should also help others. The birthday of Virgin Mary who fulfils the wishes of all is the festival of Christians and has an historical recognition. Monti fest is the festival of nature. This is the day of offering felicitation to Mother Mary. This is the day of worshipping God who has given us prosperity, through Mother while we enjoy peaceful experience of comforts. On this day, Christians who respects their land honor the whole world through Mother and they offer their prayers to mother nature and this is the speciality of Monti Fest”, and blessed the gathered devotees of Mother Mary.

Fr. Jockim Rodrigues, Fr. Digo Fonceca, Fr. Denis Misquith  participated in the mass. Fr. Daniel Christian, Fr. Lancy D’Souza participated in the religious ritual. Fr. Martis released the CD of Tuji Dayal Deesht written by Carmelite Kajiton Dias. Fr. Melwyn honoured respectful people by offering honourable candle. Arun Noronha read the list of donors.

After mass, the decorated idol of Velankanni mother has been taken in a procession in local streets. Under the direction of the Spiritual Director of St. Joseph Konkani Welfare Association – Fr. Melwyn D’Cunha, President of the association – Digo Rodrigues, Vice President – Wilson D’Souza, Secretary – Sophy D’Sa, Treasurer – Lawrence Mathias, Joint Secretary – Jerald D’Souza, Joint Treasurer – John Corea, Cultural Secretary – Jossy Gonsalves, Joint Secretary – Victor Mascarenhas, ex office bearers – John Crasta, Violet Mascarenhas, Joy Paladka and other office bearers celebrated the traditional fest created by the coastal Karnataka Christians and worshipped Mother Mary, women and nature.