Abu Dhabi: Konkani Community of St. Joseph’ Parish Abu Dhabi celebrated the Feast of Nativity (Monthi fest) solemnly with traditional fervor and gaiety at the St Joseph’s Cathedral premises on Thursday, September 10 evening.

The outdoor ceremony commenced with little children and teenagers showering colorful flowers to show their love and affection towards infant Mary. The new corn (Novem), specially flown all the way from Mangalore for the occasion was blessed by H.E. Bishop Paul Hinder, Vicar Apostolic of Arabia, symbolizing the new harvest. He wished the community members on the occasion of Nativity Feast and urged to continue the devotion and family unity. Later a short procession was taken around the church compound, carrying the decorated statue of Infant Mary bedecked with flowers.

Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Church Fr. Jhonson K. Joseph lauded the devotion of the community towards Mother Mary and gave his compliments to all attendees.

The Feast Mass was offered at St. Therese Church by Fr. Rodson Goes, co celebrated Fr. Ashok Gonsalves and Fr. Valerian Fernandes. In his Homily Fr. Rodson stressed the meaning of the nativity of Mother Mary and its significance, the feast which close to the hearts of the Konkani community of Mangalore, Goa and the populace of Konkan belt. He told, like the new corn we need to be new leaving back all past and need to be in unity.

The blessed new corn (Novem) was distributed to all devotees after the Mass. Light refreshments arranged by KCO, Abu Dhabi with the support of donors were served to all the attendees. Traditional sugarcane were distributed to the children who offered flowers to mother Mary.