Feast of Nativity of Our Lady, Monthi Fest

Traditional Monthi Fest (Nativity of Our Lady) was celebrated in Ranchi by Mangaloreans, Goans, East Indians, Marathi speaking people and Kannada Speaking people. Agnel Ashrams run by Pilar Fathers in Dibadhi (near Doranda) hosted this gathering. The gathering started with Holy Eucharist at 10 O’Clock in the morning.  Fr. Maxim Pinto, Professor of Philosophy in Jalandhar Seminary (Punjab) was the Main Celebrant. He is from Hospet Parish in Mangalore, belongs to Delhi Arch Diocese. Along with him fifteen other priests concelebrated. Fr. Joseph Prasad Pinto OFM Cap, Fr. Raju Felix Crasta, Fr. Deepak Tauro, Fr. John Crasta (all four from St. Albert’s College Ranchi), Fr. Vijay Kamath S.J., Fr. Sebastian, Fr. Gabriel were some of the prominent priests present.

Fr. Maxim Pinto Offering Eucharist

Concelebrants

Fr. Maxim Pinto in his homily explained the historic significance of the fest. The word Monthi has come from Portugees word called Monte which means mountain. There are two traditions how the feast came to be. According to one, the origin of this feast can be traced to Montemarianno, the Capuchin’s place in Frangipet, Mangalore. Fr. Joachim Miranda started this devotion which became famous as Monthi fest.  According to second tradition, the origin is traced to St. Mary’s Church, Bandra, where Portuguese along with Goans started this devotion. Traditional gumta songs narrate these incidents.

Today, monthi fest is associated with sugar cane and new corns (harvest). Actually, in Maharashtra region, when Ganeshotsav was celebrated people were offering sugarcane and flowers to the deity. Christians found these meaningful gestures to inculturate in to the devotion. Thus, over the years it became part and parcel of the tradition. Secondly, Konkani speaking people were not sugar-cane cultivating people, however, they were agriculturists.

Eating new-rice (nove) also has a rich meaning. When Christians were being persecuted by anti-Christian elements, they got dispersed from one place to another. Some went south Canara and some to southern Goa and elsewhere. But wherever they went, once-a-year, they remembered everyone as a family. It was fitting gesture to remember them on the day of the birthday of Mother Mary where, Marian Nine days of devotion (Novena) had actually become famous. It helped the people to re-live new life by eating new-corn on this day by remembering all near and dear ones.

Fr. Raju Felix Crasta, Master of Ceremony

Dance

Mr. Peter D'Costa, President of Konkani Association

Mr. Rodericks and his group singing Mando

Delicious dishes

Ready to Eat

Ready for group games

Mr. Stephen enjoying a game

group game

The gathering was meaningfully arranged by Mr. Peter D’Costa, Dr. Helga Chen and Sr. Bernard OSU. Fr. Raju Felix Crasta was the Master of Ceremony. Pilar Fathers and sisters of Bethany Convent conducted meaningful Choir. Dr. Helga introduced everyone by means of an ice-breaker. Pilar Fathers sang traditional Mando. They were supported by ‘Good Shephered Club’ headed by Mr. Rodericks and his group.

Delicious food, prepared by different houses and convents was the chief attraction of the gathering.

At the end, Mr. Peter D'Costa, the president of Konkani Association thanked all. 

Also see, report in Daijiworld

http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=187951