Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi, was radiant with joy and devotion
as the Monthi Feast was celebrated on 8th September 2025. The event was
presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of the Udupi Diocese,
who led the solemn Mass as the main celebrant. In his inspiring homily, Fr.
Vijay Joyson D’Souza encouraged the faithful to live with gratitude and
strengthen the bonds of community.

Fr. Leo Praveen D’Souza, Assistant Parish Priest, was also present
and extended a warm welcome to all the faithful. He expressed his heartfelt
gratitude to the Bishop for his presence and prayers, adding to the spirit of
unity and devotion that marked the occasion.

The Monthi Feast, celebrated in honor of the birth of Mother Mary,
holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. It follows a nine-day novena
and is cherished as a harvest festival among Catholics. During the novena,
children were gifted sweets in appreciation of their enthusiastic participation
in offering flowers.

At the Mass, freshly harvested rice grains were blessed by the
Bishop and distributed to the faithful through all the Gurkars, symbolizing
blessings and abundance. The celebration continued with the distribution of
payasam, delighting all present. Later, families gathered to share a festive
vegetarian meal prepared with a variety of fresh, locally grown vegetables.

This celebration not only marked a spiritual observance but also
highlighted the power of unity, generosity, and shared joy. May the spirit of
gratitude and fellowship from this event inspire our community to grow together
in faith and service.