For the first time in the history of the Archdiocese of Perth, Mass was celebrated in Konkani, the traditional language of the people of Mangalore, a picturesque port city in India.
It was a nostalgic moment for a number of families who came together at Holy Name Church in Carlisle to celebrate the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Father Greg Almedia, the parish priest, celebrated Mass along with Fr Arul Raj and Fr Francisco who were present as concelebrants; all the traditions of the “Monti Feast” as it is known in their native tongue was observed.
The feast day can be described as ‘Mangalore coming to Perth’ with the singing of traditional hymns in Konkani, a para-liturgy conducted at the grotto of Our Lady and the sprinkling of petals at the feet of Our Lady by the children who were dressed in colourful traditional attire.
Following the prayers, the celebrations continued in a hall adjacent to the church.
No Indian celebration is ever complete without delicious mouth watering plates of food; Holy Name Church served vegetarian meals in keeping with the traditions practised in Mangalore where only vegetarian meals are served for the feast day.
The feast day, celebrated in the Year of Grace, where the members of Holy Name Church were made to appreciate the gift of Faith with hopes the celebration of Monti Feast will become an annual event.