Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha Leads Monthi Fest Celebrations at St Anthony’s Ashram, Jeppu

Mangalore Today News Network

MANGALURU, September 08, 2026: The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, popularly known as ’Monthi Fest,’ was celebrated with traditional fervour and devotion at St Anthony’s Ashram, Jeppu, on September 8. Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, presided over the solemn festive Eucharist as the main celebrant.

Addressing the faithful and the residents of the ashram during his homily, Bishop Saldanha reflected on the virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary, highlighting her role as the mother of the Church and a model of steadfast faith. Emphasizing the cultural and familial significance of the feast, he noted that Monthi Fest uniquely honours the girl child and celebrates the earth’s bountiful harvest. "Monthi Fest is inherently a family feast that calls us to gather in gratitude and renew our familial bonds in the light of Mother Mary’s love and humility," the Bishop stated.

The liturgical celebrations commenced with the traditional blessing of the newly harvested corn (Novem) and floral tributes offered by children to honour Mother Mary. The solemn Holy Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr J.B. Crasta, Director of St Anthony’s Ashram; Rev. Fr Praveen Amrith Martis, Administrator; and Rev. Fr F.X. Gomes.

A large number of devotees, well-wishers, and ashram residents participated in the liturgy, joining together in prayer and thanksgiving. The festive celebrations concluded in the traditional coastal Catholic manner with the distribution of the blessed corn and sugarcane to all the gathered faithful, echoing the joy of the harvest and the spiritual