Nativity and Family Feast celebrated at Bajjodi
Mangaluru: The feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also called the Monti Fest, was celebrated with devotion at Bajjodi on Sunday, September 8th. Blessing of the new paddy was held at the Church ground. The beautiful age old tradition of showering of flowers at Mother Mary’s statue by children was performed with the accompaniment of hymns. The congregation went in a procession to the church singing devotional hymns, accompanied with Bambina Mary.
Fr Deep Fernandes was the main Celebrant. Parish Priest Fr Ivan D’Souza, Fr Patrick Lobo, Deacon Roshan Monteiro, Deacon Sunil D’Souza concelebrated in the Eucharist. In his homily, Fr Deep Fernandes expounded the uniqueness of the feast and stressed on the role of the family in the church. After mass, Fr Deep Fernandes honoured the main sponsors by distributing blessed candles. Parish Priest Fr Ivan D’Souza thanked everyone for their wholehearted support which lead to the success of the feast. New grains and sugarcanes were distributed to the parishioners. Children were given ice cream which they enjoyed.
The Parish family joined together in the parish hall at 6:00 pm for the cultural extravaganza. The celebration was initiated with a Prayer song by the Altar Servers. Fr Ivan D’Souza, Fr Patrick Lobo, Fr Jocy D’Souza, Vice President Joseph Mascarenhas, Secretary Irene Pinto, Coporator Keshav were present for the programme. Joseph Mascarenhas welcomed the gathering. Members of ten Wards as well as the youth entertained everyone with beautiful dance and skits that kept the audience cheering throughout. Fr Patrick Lobo in his message stressed that there should always be joy in the family.
In the second part of the programme, Lancy Moras, popularly known as LHM presented his 14th musical nite. This nite enthralled the music lovers till the end with variety of compositions. Parish Priest, Fr Ivan D’Souza thanked the parishioners who had put in great efforts to make this event an outstanding success. Irene Pinto delivered the message of thanks. Iden Crasta compered the programme. Fr Ivan D’Souza then blessed the sweet vorn to which newly blessed corn was added, followed by the traditional vegetarian meal with variety of vegetables including alu-dento and vorn recollecting the sweet memories of Novem Jevan.
