Welcome to Holy Family Church, Brahmavara. Monthi Feast 2026: A Joyful Celebration of Faith, Family and Tradition
“Mary’s birth is a dawn of hope, a mother’s love is a gift, and a family united in faith is a blessing.” The feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, affectionately celebrated as the Monthi Feast, was observed with great joy, devotion and enthusiasm at Holy Family Church, Brahmavar. This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as the parish community also marked Family Day and Girl Child Day, bringing together faith, family, children and cherished cultural traditions in one beautiful celebration. Blessing of the New Corn and Floral Tribute to Mother Mary The celebration began with the blessing of the new corn, a cherished tradition that expresses gratitude to God for the blessings of nature and the fruits of the earth. Parishioners gathered with hearts filled with faith and thanksgiving as the new corn was blessed. A beautiful moment of devotion followed as the faithful showered flowers in honour of Mother Mary, expressing their love and filial affection for the Mother of Jesus. The colourful floral offering created a prayerful and joyful atmosphere as the parish community entrusted their families and lives to Mary's maternal care. The solemn Monthi Feast procession added further grandeur to the celebration. The melodious singing and the vibrant accompaniment of the Gloria Band filled the surroundings with joy, as parishioners walked together in faith, prayer and thanksgiving.
Motherhood: A Reflection on Mary's Life
The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Dr. Fr. Charles Furtado, a native son of the parish, who is presently serving in Bengaluru as the Secretary of the Education Board for Capuchin Schools and Colleges and as a member of the Provincial Council. On this special occasion, the parish community felicitated Fr. Charles with gratitude and affection for his dedicated service to the Church and to education.
In his inspiring homily, Fr. Charles reflected on the unique role of Mother Mary in God's plan of salvation. He highlighted Mary's generous motherhood and her willingness to offer her Son, Jesus, for the salvation of humanity.
Drawing attention to the beauty and responsibility of motherhood, he reminded the faithful that true motherhood is rooted in love, sacrifice, faith and selfless giving. Mary remains the perfect model of a mother who trusts God, accompanies her child and remains faithful through every joy and sorrow.
His message invited every family to look to Mary as a model of faith-filled motherhood and loving family life.
Celebrating the Gift of Every Girl Child
Adding special meaning to the occasion, the young girls of the parish took an active role in conducting the liturgy as the parish celebrated Girl Child Day.
Their participation was a beautiful reminder that every child is a precious gift from God and that girls have a unique and valuable place in the family, Church and society. Their presence, enthusiasm and service brought a fresh and youthful spirit to the celebration.
A Parish Family United in Faith
The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Fr. Charles Saldanha, Fr. Mothes Dias and Fr. Joachim D'Souza, along with the Parish Priest, Fr. John Fernandes.
At the conclusion of the celebration, Fr. John Fernandes expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the Monthi Feast a memorable occasion. He specially appreciated the dedicated efforts of Vice President Mr. Ravi Prakash Gonsalves and Mrs. Gretta D'Souza, Coordinator of the 20 Commissions, all the gurkars and representatives together with the various commissions, volunteers, liturgy team, choir Members, youth, children and parishioners who worked tirelessly for the success of the celebration.
Taking the Blessings Home
The celebration continued with the distribution of traditional 'vorn' and sugarcane to the faithful. Parishioners also carried the blessed new corn home, continuing a cherished tradition that connects faith with family life.
The blessed corn became a beautiful reminder of God's providence, the fruits of our labour, gratitude for His blessings and the unity of the family.
A Celebration beyond a Feast
The Monthi Feast at Holy Family Church, Brahmavar, was more than a feast day. It was a celebration of Mary, motherhood, childhood, family, faith and community.
As the parish family rejoiced in the birth of Mother Mary, the celebration renewed the call to build families founded on love, prayer, sacrifice and togetherness. The presence of children and young girls reminded everyone that the future of the family and the Church is entrusted to the next generation.
With joyful hearts, the faithful returned to their homes carrying the blessed new corn—and, more importantly, carrying with them Mary's maternal love, renewed faith and God's abundant blessings.
May Mother Mary bless every family of Holy Family Parish and guide us always closer to her Son, Jesus.
Happy Monthi Feast to all our parishioners and families!