The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lady: A Celebration of Faith, Family, and Harvest

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 08, 2024

Readings: Isaiah 35:4–7; Psalm 146:7–10; James 2:1–5; Mark 7:31–37

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/dqlEIZ5goso

On September 8th each year, the Church celebrates a feast that holds deep significance for Catholics worldwide—the Nativity of Our Lady, the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This joyous occasion marks the beginning of Mary’s earthly life, a life that would pave the way for the Incarnation of Christ. As the Mother of God, Mary’s birth is seen as a prelude to the salvation story, making this feast an essential part of the liturgical calendar.

For many Catholic communities, the Nativity of Our Lady is not only a day of spiritual reflection but also one filled with rich cultural and familial traditions. Among these communities are the Mangalore Konkani Christians of India, who celebrate this feast in a unique and heartfelt manner, blending their deep-rooted Catholic faith with local customs. Known as "Monti Fest," this celebration brings together the dual significance of Mary’s birth and the harvest season.

1. A Feast of the Family and Harvest

The Mangalore Konkani Christians celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of Mary as a time to give thanks for the harvest. As a farming community for centuries, the harvest represented God’s abundant blessings, a sign of His providence and care. By associating the harvest with Mary’s nativity, the community expresses gratitude not only for the crops that sustain their bodies but also for Mary, who nourishes their souls by leading them to Christ.

A central aspect of this celebration is the blessing of newly harvested crops, especially fresh grains of paddy. This tradition highlights the deep connection between faith and agriculture, reminding us of our reliance on God’s gifts in nature. Families bring these fresh grains to the church, where they are blessed by the priest as an offering of thanksgiving. It is a beautiful act of faith, as the community seeks God’s continued blessings for future harvests and their daily sustenance.

2. Sharing the joy of being a family

Once the grains are blessed, the real heart of the celebration begins—the family meal. This feast is often referred to as a "family feast" because it is deeply centered on the family unit. Generations come together to share a meal prepared from the fresh harvest, with vegetarian dishes, symbolizing simplicity and purity, taking center stage. Special attention is given to the tradition of offering "novem"—a dish made from the blessed paddy grains mixed with milk or coconut milk—symbolizing unity, blessings, and the spiritual nourishment that Mary brings to the family.

In a world that is increasingly fragmented, where families often find themselves separated by physical distance or busy schedules, this feast serves as a beautiful reminder of the importance of family bonds. The meal is more than just a tradition; it is an act of love, unity, and faith. Each bite taken together is an expression of gratitude—not only for the material food that sustains but for the spiritual nourishment that Mary, as the Mother of the Church, provides.

3. Mary, the First Fruit of God’s Plan

Theologically, the Feast of the Nativity of Mary is a celebration of God’s divine plan unfolding through human history. Mary’s birth is a pivotal event because it signifies the preparation for the coming of Christ. Just as the first fruits of the harvest are offered to God in thanksgiving, Mary is considered the "first fruit" of God’s salvific plan for humanity. Her life, marked by her "yes" to God, became the channel through which Christ entered the world, bringing redemption to all.

For the faithful, the Nativity of Mary is a time to reflect on their own role in God’s plan. Just as Mary’s life was one of obedience, humility, and service, this feast invites believers to emulate her virtues. It calls for a renewed commitment to God, a reawakening of faith, and a deeper love for both family and community.

4. A Global Celebration, Rooted in Tradition

While the celebration of the Nativity of Our Lady holds a special place in the hearts of Mangalore Konkani Christians, this feast is a global one. From Italy to the Philippines, from Latin America to Africa, Catholics around the world honour Mary’s birth in various ways. Some communities hold grand processions, while others celebrate with simple prayers and devotions. Regardless of the form, the essence remains the same—a celebration of God’s grace through the gift of Mary.

In many countries, the day is marked by prayers, special Masses, and the recitation of the Rosary, all in honour of the Blessed Mother. Churches are often beautifully decorated with flowers and candles, reflecting the joy and light that Mary brings into the lives of the faithful. It is a time of renewal for many, a moment to place one’s trust in the maternal care of Mary, who constantly intercedes for the Church and the world.

Conclusion

The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lady is more than just a liturgical event; it is a living tradition that ties together faith, family, and community. For the Mangalore Konkani Christians, this day serves as a powerful reminder of God’s blessings in the form of both material and spiritual abundance. The act of coming together as a family, breaking bread, and giving thanks is a profound expression of faith, deeply rooted in a long-standing relationship with the Blessed Virgin.

As we honour Mary’s birth, we are reminded that she is not only the Mother of Jesus but also the Mother of each one of us. Her life is a testament to God’s providence, and through her, we are invited to open our hearts to the divine plan, to celebrate the blessings of the present, and to trust in the promises of the future.

In Mary, we find the perfect model of faith and family, a reflection of the heavenly family to which we are all called. May her Nativity inspire us to embrace our own call to holiness, to foster love within our families, and to live as grateful stewards of God’s creation.

Prayer:

Holy Mary, Mother of God,
on this day of your blessed birth,
we come before you with hearts full of love and gratitude.
You are the dawn of our salvation,
the chosen vessel of God’s grace.
Intercede for us, dear Mother,
as we seek to follow your example of faith,
humility, and trust in God’s plan.
Guide us closer to your Son, Jesus,
and protect us under your mantle of love.
Bless our families, strengthen our faith,
and lead us always in the path of holiness.

We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

06 September 2024