Shirva: Grand celebration of ‘Monti Fest’ at Our Lady of Health Church

Team Udayavani, Sep 8, 2024, 11:09 AM IST

The Monti Fest (Feast of Nativity of Monther Mary) was joyously celebrated at the Our Lady of Health Church in Shirva, part of the Udupi Catholic Diocese, on September 8th under the leadership of the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza.

Grand procession marks the event

The celebration began at the Hilary Auditorium of St. Mary’s High School, where the new harvest was offered and prayers were led by Rev. Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza, along with assistant priests Rev. Fr. Rolwin Aranha and Rev. Fr. Rolwin Pinto. Devotees participated in the floral offering to the statue of Mother Mary.

Following the prayer service, a grand procession carried the statue of Mother Mary and the newly harvested crops to the church. In the presence of a large number of devotees, the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza, celebrated the Holy Mass and distributed the blessed harvest (new crop) to the faithful.

Blessings and reflections

During the celebration, Rev. Fr. Rolwin Aranha delivered a blessing, emphasizing that after nine days of Novena prayers, the birth of Mother Mary was celebrated as a family feast. He urged the devotees to follow the ideals of Mother Mary, live a life of peace and harmony, and continue to pray for her blessings to fulfill their desires.

Prominent attendees at the event included Church Council Vice President Melwin Aranha, Secretary Flavia D’Souza, members Wilson Rodrigues, Julian Rodrigues, Mohan Noronha, and leaders of various church groups such as Leena Mathias, Peter Corda, Michael D’Souza, Felix D’Souza, Alwyn D’Souza, Edward Misquit, Norbert Machado, Dennis Lobo, and Prof. Ronald Moras. Additionally, nuns from the Nativity Convent, ward representatives, and a large number of devotees participated.

Festivities across the region

In addition to Shirva, Monti Fest celebrations with Holy Mass took place in the neighbouring parishes of Pilar, Pernal, Pamboor, Kalathur, and Moodubelle, marking a day of grand festivities and community participation.