Luxembourg City witnessed a vibrant celebration of Monthi Festh this past Saturday, as the Mangalorean Christian community gathered to observe their cherished traditions. Approximately 45 individuals, comprising Mangalorean families and friends from various Indian communities, converged at the Garden Chapel of St Alphonse to bring a piece of coastal Karnataka's cultural and religious heritage to the heart of Europe.
The festivities commenced on the chapel's lawns, where children and families participated in the customary showering of flowers, an act of reverence for Mother Mary. This devotional moment led into a bilingual Holy Mass, conducted in Konkani and English. Fr Lizel Joy D'Souza and Fr Trishan D'Souza, priests from the Diocese of Mangalore currently pursuing studies in Rome, officiated the service.
Following the Mass, the community extended its gratitude to the visiting priests, felicitating them for their presence and participation. Fr Lizel Joy D'Souza addressed the gathering, reflecting on the profound significance of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which he described as the “dawn of our salvation” preceding the advent of Jesus Christ. He also shared insights into the history of the Maria Bambina devotion and its journey to Mangalore, explaining how it intertwined with Monthi Festh, devotion to Our Lady of the Mount, and the traditional harvest meal that unites families.
The religious programme transitioned into a community get-together, featuring engaging activities such as a quiz on Mother Mary and games for all age groups. The day culminated with a traditional vegetarian Mangalorean potluck lunch, prepared and contributed by community members, fostering a sense of shared heritage and camaraderie.
Patrick D'Souza, the lead organiser, highlighted the event's role in strengthening bonds within the growing diaspora. “Luxembourg has become our home away from home. Our Mangalorean community here may still be small, but it has grown steadily over the past few years,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of celebrating faith and traditions to create belonging. Vivek Cornelio, another organiser, added that such celebrations help integrate the community into Luxembourg's multicultural society. “For us, preserving our culture does not mean celebrating it in isolation. It is about bringing a small piece of Mangalore with us and allowing it to become part of the diverse cultural fabric of Luxembourg,” Cornelio remarked. Monthi Festh, traditionally observed in September, marks the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and signifies thanksgiving for the harvest, family, and community, retaining its cultural importance for Mangalorean Catholics globally.
Image: mangalorean.com
📰 Source: Mangalorean Gulf