Mount Rosary parish begin the preparation for ‘Monthi Festh’ in a unique devotion and style

By P. Archibald Furtado
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 31 Aug 2023: Generally Ten days beginning from 30th August, to 8th September, every year are the most rejoicing joyful days to our children in Coastal Districts. It’s the Monthi Festh Season, children and parents wake up at wee hours and arrange flowers in decorated baskets / plates to offer Infant Mary for 9 days of Novena and reaching to its height of joy on Nativity day 8th September, larger baskets and more variety of fresh flowers to venerate the Bamba Marina.

 

We at Mount Rosary Church – Santhekatte – Kallianpur have many reasons to be overwhelmed as its Patroness herself ‘Mother of Holy Rosary’ and over the years, any Marian adoration and celebration have a colourful history to its credit.

 

This year’s Novena Prayers too were unique and special. More than 200 children enthusiastically partake in the showering of flowers every morning as the Holy Mass begin at 6.45 am, and parish Priest Rev Dr Roque DSouza is very particular to see that maximum number, rather all children in the parish gather together. Normally days message used to be delivered in the introduction part, however this year a short homily too has been added, highlighting a peculiar theme for each day, for instance – ‘Flowers’ on 30th and today its ‘Garden’.

 

 

It’s very satisfying to see the liturgy has been systematically divided among 18 wards, 2 of them leading every day – readings, prayers of the faithful and the major role in the Church choir.

 

Arrangements are in place to distribute goodies, snacks, sweets, stationeries etc, generously sponsored by wards and other parishioners every day, is an added attraction to infants and School Children. The ICYM & YCS youth overseeing the distribution process needs a pat on their back for their meticulous handling along with Asst Parish priest Rev Fr Oliver Nazareth’s directions and others extending a helping hand.

 

Though we badly need rains, which in scarce this year with huge shortfall … a matter of grave concern…however it’s convenient for kids to reach on time and then go to their respective Schools. As the parish community gearing up to celebrate Monthi Festh – a symbol of new harvest, nature’s bounty and its conservation, girl child’s protection, honour to Farmers etc, we hope for everyone’s happiness and peaceful living in harmony with nature.