Mangalorean Sydneysiders Celebrate Nativity Feast
It was a beautiful day spring Sunday 13 September 2020; a large number of Mangalorean Sydneysiders and their friends celebrated the Nativity Feast (Monthi Fest) organized by the Mangalorean Catholic Association of Sydney Inc. (MCAS).
The Mass was conducted strictly in accordance with the current Covid-19 regulations of the NSW government, and the church was fully booked at the maximum capacity of 100 people.
The venue was the sprawling Good Shepherd Parish at Plumpton. Hon. David Clarke, MLC and Mrs Marisa Clarke attended the feast mass. The altar and the statue of Mother Mary were elegantly decorated with flowers.
MCAS President Stanley D’Cruz, in his opening remarks, welcomed all the attendees, and briefly explained the significance of the Monti Fest. He reminded all present of the origin of the feast in Monte Mariano, Farangipet where it was started by a Goan priest Fr Joachim Miranda in 1763. He reminded that it was a divine coincidence that the celebrant and Parish Priest Fr Vincy D’Costa, OFM Cap, Goan priest also spent some seminary years at Monte Mariano. Monthi Fest he said binds globally Mangalorean Catholics. Stanley also acclaimed the stupendous work performed by the front line workers and health warriors of MCAS during this pandemic and mentioned Dr Astrid Dias and Dr Ruella Clipsham who were present.
Fr. Vincy commenced the Celebration of Holy Mass. Due to the Covid-19 regulations, only recorded music was played. Deacon Roque Dias of Parramatta Diocese assisted in the mass liturgy.
The first and second readings gospel readings were done by 14-year-old Andrea Pinto and 11-year-old Ethan Furtado.
Fr. Vincy delivered an awe-inspiring homily. He explained the significance and the history of the Monthi Fest in three places, Mangalore, Mount Mary Bandra and Goa. Mangalorean Catholics have a great devotion to Mother Mary, as evidenced by the celebration of this feast in all parts of the world. He also dwelled on the tradition of Novem Jevan (new meal) that was started at Monte Mariano from the new crops of spring. He also recalled his religious days in Mangalore.
Nireeksha DSouza recited the Prayers of the Faithful.
At the conclusion of Mass, Rowena Sequeira, Social secretary of MCAS proposed a vote of thanks. She thanked all the participants, the celebrant, and the special invitees for attending this beautiful service. Rowena also commended the determination of the MCAS Committee in keeping the Monthi Fest tradition alive, so that the Holy Mass could be held and celebrated, despite these uncertain Covid-19 times. She also thanked the Committee for getting together to prepare the Novem Jevan for all attendees.
All children were called to come forward in a procession towards Mother Mary’s statue. The statue was beautifully decorated with an excellent range of colourful flowers. The children were quite excited and threw flowers amid the singing of Sakkad Sangantha Melaon.
To conclude the Monthi Fest celebrations, the children then cut a cake for Mother Mary baked for the occasion by Nikita D’Souza. For showing their devotion to Mother Mary, all children were presented with goodie bags as they exited.
Due to the somber COVID situation and the current regulations, MCAS provided authentic Mangalorean take away Novem Jevan packets to all the Mass attendees. This food was home-cooked by MCAS committee members and was much appreciated.
Overall the MCAS Nativity Feast celebration in Sydney during this Covid-19 pandemic time was an outstanding success, and we sincerely thank MCAS members and their friends for their full attendance and patronage, and for the work done by the MCAS Committee.
Many attendees complimented MCAS for organizing such a good event in the current situation. One attendee wrote “It is a real feather in MCAS cap to carry out and keep the tradition and the thoughtful act of packing an authentic meal for all attendees…! Am sure with your report and pictures our worldwide Kutamb will be happy to read and view.”
