The feast of the Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary popularly known as “Monthi Fest” was celebrated in a solemn way at St Lawrence Church, Bondel on Sunday September 8, 2024.

The festivities began at 7:30 a.m. in the Church Mini Hall with the blessing of new paddy corns and the offering of flowers to the Infant Mary. Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza, the Parish Priest, led the prayer service for the blessing of new corn. Following this, children presented flowers to the Infant Mary. A procession with the band, singing hymns in honour of Mother Mary, proceeded to the church with Parishioners.

Rev. Fr. Peter Gonsalves Principal St Lawrence English Medium School Bondel presided over the solemn festal Holy Mass. Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest, Rev Fr William D’Souza, Asst Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Arul Betharram, Rev. Fr Theo Pinto con-celebrated the mass.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. William D’Souza offered deep reflections on the significance of the three important feasts celebrated today: the Birth of Mother Mary, the New Corn Feast, and the Girl Child Feast.

1. The Birth of Mother Mary, highlighting her as a symbol of purity, grace, and hope. Mother Mary’s birth is a moment of joy for the Church, as she was chosen to bring Jesus into the world. Mary’s life is a model of faith and sacrifice, and through her birth, humanity was given the gift of a mother who intercedes for us and guides us closer to her son, Jesus.

2. New Corn Feast, , By sharing this meal, families not only express their thankfulness for the food but also celebrate the deeper connection they have with one another, rooted in God’s blessings, sharing the corn as an expression of love and gratitude.

.Lastly, the Girl Child Feast. He compared the girl child to Mother Mary, highlighting her strength, compassion, and readiness to serve. He called upon the devotees to protect, nurture, and uplift girls, acknowledging them as gifts and blessings that play a vital role in building the family and the Church.

Fr. Andrew D’Souza extended Monthi Fest greetings to all parishioners and those living abroad, expressing gratitude to those who supported the feast financially. Special thanks were given to the PPC Members, Volunteers, and ICYM Members for their tremendous support during the novena & feast. . The Liturgy & choir led by the children were undoubtedly the highlight of the celebration.

Following the Mass, the Gurkar’s distributed blessed new corn to the Parishioners, sugarcane was distributed to the Children and Parishioners. Parishioners exchanged Joyful greetings and well-wishes for the feast.