Sep 8 : St. Monica Church, Kumbla, celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary with immense enthusiasm and devotion. The day began with the blessing of the Bambina and newly grown paddy, followed by children offering flowers at the Holy Family Convent. The congregation joined in singing Sakkad Sangtata Mellya to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary.
A procession, led by the Gurkars of the wards, carried the blessed paddy from the Holy Family Convent to the church, symbolizing unity and reverence. The procession was a heartfelt display of devotion, with the Gurkars walking alongside parishioners, carrying the newly harvested paddy as an offering of thanksgiving.
The culmination of the procession was followed by the solemn festive mass, celebrated by Rev. Fr. Suraj Lobo. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Melwyn D’Souza, the Parish Priest of St. Monica Church, highlighted the significance of the Feast of the Nativity, commemorating the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the role she plays in the lives of the faithful.
After the mass, the blessed sheaves of newly grown paddy were distributed to parishioners by the Gurkhas, symbolizing the blessings of harvest and prosperity. It was a gesture of unity and gratitude, as each ward received the blessed paddy.
During the event, Rev. Fr. Melwyn D’Souza took the opportunity to announce the names of well-wishers who contributed to the festivities. Rev. Fr. Suraj Lobo presented them with candles as a token of appreciation for their support.
Joel Crasta, President of ICYM Kumbla, announced the winners of the Mariyal Geeth Spardho competition, and Rev. Fr. Melwyn D’Souza distributed the prizes to the winners, acknowledging their efforts and talent.
A special moment during the celebrations was the launch of the redesigned church website by Rev. Fr. Melwyn D’Souza, alongside Rev. Fr. Suraj Lobo, Mr Raju D’Souza (Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council), Mrs Leedia D’Souza (Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council), and the superiors of the convents. Fr. Melwyn expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the media team for their dedicated efforts in rebuilding and enhancing the website, which will serve as a key tool for communication and outreach within the parish.
For more photos please visit https://www.kumblachurch.com/photo-gallery/
