Media Release
Kuwait City, Sep 13: Abbasiya Konkani Families Kuwait (AKFK), joyfully celebrated Monthi Fest 2026 – the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – at the Holy Family Co-Cathedral, Kuwait City, on Friday, September 11.
The celebration brought together families and devotees in an atmosphere filled with faith, devotion and the cherished traditions of the Konkani community.
The celebration commenced with a solemn procession, led by the choir. Devotees joined prayerfully in honoring Mother Mary, creating a beautiful atmosphere of devotion and togetherness.
The procession was followed by the solemn Konkani Holy Mass.
The Holy Mass was celebrated with Fr Manoj Victor D'Souza as the main celebrant. It was a special occasion for the Konkani community to welcome Fr. Manoj as a visiting priest and have him preside over the Monthi Fest celebration.
The community was also blessed by the presence of priests from the Co-Cathedral and neighboring parishes, including Fr (Dr) Antony Lopez, OFM Cap, JCD, chancellor & judicial vicar; Fr Darel Fernandes, OFM Cap, rector & parish priest of Our Lady of Arabia, Ahmadi; Fr Cibu Irimbinikal Varghese and Fr Joseph Paul Valiaveettil from St Daniel Comboni Parish, Abbasiya; and Fr Avil Manoj Rosario, assistant parish priest of SDC parish and spiritual director of AKFK.
Their presence added greater joy and spiritual significance to the celebration.
During the festivities, the traditional Manachi Vaat was distributed to the Pirjenth, sponsors and Murdhom participants, acknowledging their support and contribution towards the celebration.
AKFK expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all the donors, sponsors and well-wishers whose generous support and commitment helped make Monthi Fest 2026 a memorable celebration. Their contributions reflected the true spirit of community, sharing and togetherness that lies at the heart of Monthi Fest.
In view of the current restrictions, AKFK expressed its sincere gratitude to Fr Antony Lopez for graciously providing the community with a place to come together in prayer, worship and fellowship and to celebrate Monthi Fest at the Holy Family Co-Cathedral, Kuwait City.
His support enabled the SDC Konkani Community and AKFK families to continue this much-loved tradition and celebrate the Nativity of Mother Mary together as one family in faith.
As part of its efforts to promote a spiritual and family-oriented community, AKFK conducts competitions and activities for SDC parishioners every alternate month.
On the occasion of Monthi Fest, AKFK organized a Mother Mary Grotto Competition, encouraging families to creatively express their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary through beautifully prepared grottoes in their homes.
Following the Holy Mass, prizes and certificates were presented to the winners and participants. The enthusiastic participation and creativity shown by the families were greatly appreciated, while the prize distribution added another joyful dimension to the celebration.
As a gesture of fellowship and hospitality, AKFK arranged refreshments for all devotees following the celebration. Families and parishioners spent time together, sharing refreshments and strengthening the bonds of friendship and community.
The celebration beautifully reflected the essence of Monthi Fest – faith, family, gratitude, tradition and togetherness.
AKFK president Lavina Furtado, together with Fr Avil Manoj Rosario, spiritual director of AKFK, and all the AKFK committee members extended warm wishes to the entire community on the joyous Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
May Our Blessed Mother Mary continue to bless our families, strengthen our faith, protect our children and guide the SDC Konkani Community in the years ahead.