St Lawrence Church, Bondel, rejoiced in faith and tradition as Monthi Fest – the Nativity of Mother Mary – was celebrated with devotion and festivity.

On Monday , September 8, 2025, the faithful of St Lawrence Church, Bondel, celebrated the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (“Monthi Fest”) in a solemn and prayerful manner.

The sacred festivities commenced at 7:30 a.m. in the Church Mini Hall with the blessing of the new paddy sheaves and the offering of fragrant flowers to Infant Mary. Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves Princiapl St Lawrence English Medoum School prayerfully invoked God’s blessings upon the new harvest. In an outpouring of love and devotion, the children reverently offered flowers at the feet of Infant Mary. A solemn and graceful procession, led by the melodious brass band and the singing of hymns in honour of our Blessed Mother, made its way reverently to the church, accompanied by the faithful parishioners.

Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Priest, presided over the solemn Festal Holy Mass. Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, Parish Priest, along with Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Rev. Fr James Britto MSIJ, and Rev. Fr Theo Pinto, concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration

In his homily, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza shared deep reflections on the significance of the three feasts celebrated on this day. Speaking on the Nativity of Mother Mary, he reminded the faithful to cherish and love their mothers, for we are all blessed with only one mother. Reflecting on the Family Feast, he encouraged families to eat together, spend time with one another, show love and concern, and practice forgiveness within the family. On the occasion of the New Corn Feast, he highlighted the importance of gratitude for God’s blessings of harvest and sustenance. Finally, while speaking about the Girl Child Feast, he urged everyone to respect women, uphold their dignity, and teach good values and virtues to the girl child, reminding parents of their sacred duty in nurturing them.

Fr Andrew further emphasized three important pillars every family should uphold: worship one true God, meditate on the Word of God daily, and practice respect and honor within the family. By living these values, he said, families can grow in faith, love, and unity, becoming true witnesses of God’s grace.

Rev. Fr Andrew D’Souza extended heartfelt Monthi Fest greetings to all parishioners, including those residing abroad, and expressed deep gratitude to everyone who contributed generously towards the celebration. He offered special thanks to the PPC members, volunteers, and ICYM youth for their dedicated support throughout the novena and the feast. The liturgy and choir, gracefully led by the children, stood out as one of the most touching highlights of the celebration.

After the Holy Mass, the Gurkars reverently distributed the blessed new corn to the parishioners, while sugarcane was lovingly shared among the children and the faithful. The celebration concluded with parishioners joyfully exchanging greetings and warm wishes, marking the feast as a true occasion of faith, family, and festivity.

Report: Meena Serrao Barboza

Photography : Godwin