Abu Dhabi: The Feast of Nativity (Monti fest) was celebrated with devotion and gaiety at the St Joseph’s Cathedral premises on Thursday, September 8 by Konkani Community of Abu Dhabi.

The children offered colourful flowers to infant Mary as everyone joined the celebration singing the traditional hymns, ‘Sakkad Sangatha Melyam’ and ‘Mariyek Hogolsiam,’.

Fr Rodson Goveas, spiritual director or Konkani community concelebrated Mass along with Fr Troy de los Santos, OFM Cap., Vicar General at the cathedral. Fr Rodson in the homily stressed on the importance of family. The community members offered fresh fruits and vegetables as the symbol of new harvest. Prior to the mass, a short procession was taken out to the Cathedral carrying the statue of Mother Mary bedecked with flowers.

The new corn (Novem), brought from Mangaluru was blessed and distributed among all after the mass.

Fr Troy de los Santos, Vicar Gerneral conveyed Bishop Paul Hinder’s message. The donors of the event were felicitated on the occasion. After a short programme, traditional Novenm Jevaan was served to the community members.