Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha Leads Monti Fest Celebrations at St Anthony’s Ashram, Jeppu
Mangaluru: The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, popularly known as Monti Fest, was celebrated with traditional fervour and devotion at St Anthony’s Ashram, Jeppu, on September 8. Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, presided over the solemn festive Eucharist as the main celebrant.
Addressing the faithful and the residents of the ashram during his homily, Bishop Saldanha reflected on the virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary, highlighting her role as the Mother of the Church and a model of steadfast faith.
Emphasising the cultural and familial significance of the feast, he noted that Monti Fest uniquely honours the girl child and celebrates the earth’s bountiful harvest.
“Monti Fest is inherently a family feast that calls us to gather in gratitude and renew our family bonds in the light of Mother Mary’s love and humility,” the Bishop said.
The liturgical celebrations commenced with the traditional blessing of the newly harvested corn (Novem) and floral tributes offered by children in honour of Mother Mary.
The solemn Holy Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. J. B. Crasta, Director of St Anthony’s Ashram; Rev. Fr. Praveen Amrith Martis, Administrator; and Rev. Fr. F. X. Gomes.
A large number of devotees, well-wishers, and residents of the ashram participated in the liturgy, joining together in prayer and thanksgiving.
The festive celebrations concluded in the traditional coastal Catholic manner with the distribution of the blessed corn and sugarcane among all the faithful gathered, reflecting the joy of the harvest and the spiritual significance of the day.