MKCA, USA celebrates Monthi Fest 2025

MKCA, USA celebrates Monthi Fest 2025

Mangalore Today News Network

USA, Sep 8, 2025: The Mangalorean Konkan Christian Association (MKCA), USA, celebrated its 23rd Annual Monti Fest with great fervor at St. Hubert’s Church Hall, Hoffman Estates, on Saturday.

Monti Fest, a unique celebration of the Mangalorean Catholic community, commemorates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary while expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest. Often likened to Thanksgiving in the U.S., the festival also finds parallels in India’s Onam, Pongal, and other regional harvest festivities. The tradition includes blessing the new crop, distributing it to families, and sharing a meal together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The day began with a solemn Mass at St. Hubert’s Church, with MKCA members participating in the readings. The cultural program opened with a welcome note by MKCA President Leonard Lobo Shenoy, followed by the traditional floral offering ceremony in which children took part with devotion. Rev. Oswald Nkyanungi, Associate Pastor, blessed the gathering with holy water, and “Novem” was distributed among attendees.

In his address, Leonard highlighted the history of MKCA, recalling how Founder President Dr. Austin D’Souza Prabhu and other pioneers established the Association. He also spoke about the origins of Monti Fest in Mangalore and thanked Rev. Tomy Abraham, Parish Priest, and Rev. Nkyanungi for their support in hosting the event. Leonard further expressed gratitude to the organizing committee, members, and families for their contributions, particularly in preparing a variety of traditional Mangalorean delicacies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The gathering also paid homage to late Konkani stalwart Eric Ozario and MKCA member Appoline Symphrosa Lewis through heartfelt tributes led by Dr. Prabhu.

As MKCA’s current Executive Committee concludes its tenure this year, a new team was announced to lead from January 2026: Savio Pais (President), Russel Mendes (Vice President), Canice Pinto (Treasurer), Rohan Fernandes (Secretary), and Ruben Mendes (Joint Secretary).

Games for children and adults, coordinated by Patcy Lasrado with support from Canice Pinto and Rohan Fernandes, added liveliness to the evening. Winners included Maya Menezes, Elisha, Roshan Mendes, and Promila Menezes, while several others received recognition for their participation.

The celebration concluded with a traditional Mangalorean vegetarian dinner, prepared by volunteers, bringing together the flavors of home for the diaspora. Before the meal, Leonard led the gathering in grace, and later, Dr. Prabhu led the community in singing the Laudate hymn, with the audience joining in chorus.