Feast of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary in Bahrain

Bahrain’s Konkani Catholic Community celebrated Monthi-fest entitled Konkan Harvest Festival 2009 in grand way on Friday, 11 September. Nine days Novena in preparation for the feast commenced on 2^nd September 2009 and was attended by over 400 Community parishioners daily.

The Novena was followed by the Feast Mass on Friday 11^th September 2009, which was attended by more than 1500 parishioners.

The service commenced at 10.30 am at the outdoor stage,  with blessing of new paddy by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Thomas Quadros, along with guest Priest Rev. Fr. Archibald Gonsalves, Provincial of Carmelites Order for Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra Province and Spiritual Director of Konkani Community, Rev. Fr Vincent D’Souza, This was followed by floral offerings to the Blessed Infant Mary by the fervent children to the singing of traditional hymns Sokkod Sangatha Meliam and Moriek Hoglsiam.

A grand procession led the congregation to the Multipurpose Hall where the solemn feast Mass was held  and was concelebrated by Rev. Fr Thomas, Rev. Fr. Archibald and  Rev. Fr Vincent.  Fr. Archibald brought about a nostalgic feeling in his homily which included some humour as well.  For the 1,500 plus congregation, it was indeed an awesome experience. The choir led by Menino helped the devotees participate in the celebration meaningfully.  At the end of the celebration Rev. Fr. Archibald was felicitated by the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Thomas Quadros. The choir concluded by singing Happy Birthday to Mama Mary.

During the nine days, hundreds of devotees prepared themselves religiously during the evening mass and novena prayers; refreshments were served daily to all the devotees. All the children who offered floral tributes to Blessed Mary were  given gifts on the last day of the Novena. The costs of the event were met through support from various patrons who contributed wholeheartedly and extended all their support as one community.