EVENTS:

Monti Fest – St. Dominic Church, Ashoknagar, Mangalore

The faithful of St. Dominic Church Ashoknagar holding the new corn and vegetables in their hands as well as children carrying flowers in their plates gathered together at Urwarstore Junction to begin the procession to the church. The statue of Mother Mary was carried solemnly in the vehicle.

The service commenced at 7.45 am in front of the Grotto with blessing of new corn by the Parish Priest Fr. Aquin Noronha along with the assistant parish priest Fr. Royston Lobo. This was followed by floral offerings to Blessed Infant Mary by the children to the singing of traditional hymns Sokkod Sangatha Meliam and Moriek Hogolsiam. The church premise was decked with colours as children offered flowers to Infant Mary- ‘Maria Bambina’.

A grand procession then led the congregation to the Church where the solemn feast Mass was celebrated by Fr. Rohan Dias, the redemptrist priest along with Fr Aquin, Fr Royston and other community priests in attendance.

Fr. Rohan, in his homily spoke about the motherhood of Mary, the importance of Mary in our life and to spread the devotion to Mary who inspires us to live a life of humility and love. The parish choir was well appreciated and helped the congregation to participate in the celebration meaningfully. The Parish priest Fr Aquin thanked the participating priests and all those involved in organizing the Novena and feast services. Blessed corn was presented to the Pirjent and main sponsors by the main celebrant. After the mass, new corn was distributed by the Gurkars to the congregation.

At the end of the feast mass congregation was then served with traditional VORN mixed with newly blessed paddy. Cake and sugarcane was also distributed to the congregation.

A festive mood prevailed all round as people exchanged greetings to one another.