September 8, 2023: The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated at Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva. Monthi Fest holds great cultural importance, serving as a significant harvest celebration within the Catholic community. This festivity showcases a diverse array of delectable vegetarian dishes crafted from locally cultivated vegetables. Notably, the newly harvested rice takes center stage during the feast, symbolically distributed in churches following a blessed ceremony.

The proceedings were initiated by Rev. Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza, who blessed the new rice at Msgr. Hilary Rangamantapa. This was followed by a procession to Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva, with Rev. Fr. Rolwin Aranha as the main celebrant. Rev. Fr. Ronson Pinto and Deacon Jason Lobo were also present during this ceremony.

Pics by Vivian Machado