Nativity of Mother Mary, popularly known as Monthi Fest was celebrated with great devotion and gaiety at St Joseph’s Church Bajpe on Sunday, September 8, 2024. The preparation for the Monthi Fest commenced on August 30 with nine days of novena prayers, with the children continuing to manifest their love and devotion to Mother Mary by carrying varieties of flowers in beautiful dresses and happiness.
As in previous years, the new paddy corns cultivated by Mr. Francis Rodrigues—generously grown in his fields – were cleaned and prepared for blessing of the new harvest by the Parish Council members.
The service of the blessing of the new paddy corns was conducted at Parochial school, followed by children offering flowers to Infant Mary in a procession leading to the church. The incessant rains throughout the night and the morning of September 8, did not hamper the festive spirit as the church was packed to the capacity with devotees of Mother Mary.
The Solemn festive mass was concelebrated by Rev Fr Anil Roshan Lobo, Rev Dr Ronald Cutinha and Rev Fr Vivian Nishanth Rodrigues.
Following the end of the festive mass, parish priest Rev Dr. Ronald Cutinha conveyed the greetings of Monthi Fest to all the parishioners, thanked all the sponsors and distributed paddy sheaves to all the parish council members. The editorial board of “Amchem Sheth”- the church magazine was congratulated and felicitated for winning the “Raknno Best Church Magazine Award – 2024”. Followed by felicitations and congratulations to Varun Sheldon Dcosta of St Sebastian Ward for winning the title at Mr. and Miss Teen Super Globe representing India on an international stage in Thailand.
As the concluding hymn was in progress, members of the parish council distributed the new paddy sheaves to the parishioners who received with great respect and reverence and carried it home.
Sugar cane and sweets were distributed to children and the parishioners.
Catholic Sabha Bajpe Unit organized ‘ಕುಟ್ಮಾ ಸಂಭ್ರಮ’, a cultural entertainment evening on the occasion of Monthi Fest for the parishioners at 5PM at the Church Main Hall. As part of the celebrations, a special exhibition was organized showcasing traditional and ancient utensils and agricultural equipment, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and agrarian lifestyle of the region.
