Kuwait: In the Catholic tradition, the feast of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is traditionally celebrated as Monthi Festh (Feast) and a feast of family by Manglorean Catholics around the world with religious fervor.
As per the farming tradition, the feast of the new harvest coincides with the birthday of Our Lady. In gratitude for a bountiful yield, the new crop is blessed and prayed over. The members of Kanajar Welfare Association Kuwait (KWAK) along with family members met at the premises of Apsara Bazar basement hall, Salmiya, Kuwait on Friday 11th September at 12 pm, to celebrate Monthi Festh.
A beginning to the celebration was made by Edward D’Souza with an introductory speech. The celebration of the day continued with the thanksgiving prayer, Novena led by KWAK General Secretary Rinitha Mascarenhas and KWAK members led the hymn “Sakkad Sangatha Melyan and Morriyek Hogalsiyan” sung in unison by one and all and simultaneously floral offering was done by kids. President Antony Miranda welcomed the guests.
Soon after the President’s welcome speech, baby Rayzel Menezes daughter of Robert and Sharol Menezes celebrated her birthday by cutting the cake. Committee members served the cake and soft drinks to the guests. Mr. Melwin Mascarenhas and Leena Fernandes conducted various games for children as well as Adults.
The KWAK new committee was formed for the year 2015-2017. The new committee includes president: Ivan Abraham Menezes, Vice President: Rishawn Lawrence Dsouza, General Secretary: Charlotte Dsouza, Joint Secretary: Ivy Rodrigues, Treasurer: Sharol Menezes, Cultural Secretary: Gretta Dsa, Sports Secretary: Ivan Saldanha, Public Relation Officer: Steve Rodrigues and Media Reporter: Edward Dsouza
A Housie game was conducted by Edward Dsouza and Steve Rodrigues to entertain the attendees Fr Xavier Marian D’Souza, assistant parish priest of Our Lady of Arabia Church, Ahmadi, Kuwait was the special guest for the event blessed all the guests with his spiritual speech.
KWAK new President Ivan Menezes proposed the vote of thanks and expressed his gratitude to the committee members, Guest Priest, members of KWAK and especially the members who prepared the delicious food for the feast. Grace before meal was recited by Kanajar Kids.
A delicious traditional food spread was prepared by KWAK members, with a special vegetarian menu which is symbolic of the new harvest of coastal Karnataka. More than 130 Kanajareans, friends and relatives gathered for the feast. The entire proceedings were compered by Edward D’Souza and Melwin Mascarenhas.
