Amid COVID-19 Restrictions Christians Celebrate Monti Fest in Simple Manner in Udupi
Udupi: The massive crowds of devotees in churches, children offering flowers to Mother Mary were all missing this year on the feast of the Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary (Monti Fest), as COVID-19 restrictions dampened the celebrations.
Christians in Udupi district celebrated the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Monti Fest) in a simple manner in and around the district on September 8.
For the Konkani-speaking Catholic community living in the coastal districts, September 8 has special significance as the day is also celebrated as the day of the ‘New Rice’.
Very few faithful gathered in their respective churches following the COVID-19 guidelines and offered prayers to Mother Mary. The parish priests of the Churches blessed the new paddy inside the church.
Priests concelebrate the Holy Eucharistic mass, and the blessed first harvest paddy was distributed to all the parishioners through the ward Gurkars or representatives as the entry to devotees was either banned or restricted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo participated in the ceremony at the Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi and blessed the new paddy and concelebrated the Holy Eucharistic mass.
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- Sacred Heart of Jesus Church- Kolalgiri
- Mother of Sorrows Church – Udupi
- St Antony’s Church – Sastan