Media Release
Kuwait, Sep 17: For thanking the Almighty and Mother Mary, United Mangaloreans Kuwait (UMK) members along with their families and guests gathered to celebrate the feast of Nativity at a community hall in Salmiya, Kuwait on Friday, September 11.
The programme started at 7.30 pm with a warm welcome from compere Praveen Castelino, followed by the prayer service led by Flavia Lobo. Infant Mary's statue was brought in a procession singing Konkani hymn "Sakkad Sangatha Melyan". Clifford and Lucy Aranha led the procession, followed by children carrying beautiful flowers to offer Mother Mary.
Nirmala Machado and Vrinda Lewis sang the hymn, 'Moriyek Hogollsiyan', the children showered colourful flowers on Mother Mary. Doris Lobo, Suzette Pinto, Delma Lobo, Sarah Lobo, Aaral Noronha and Nicole Machado recited the Rosary and prayers prepared by Joseph D’Souza in Konkani very meaningfully.
Blessed corns (novem) distributed in the milk to all the gathered.
In his welcome speech Gurkar of UMK Agnel Saldanha, who always believes in unity as the main strength of existence, requested all the members to work hard to bring smiles on the faces of less fortunate brethren back home in India. He thanked God Almighty and Mother Mary for blessing UMK to stage five successful Fun Filled Evenings, though which contributed huge amount of funds to six needy institutions, where aged, sick, bedridden, mentally retarded, handicapped and orphans are taken care of.
Agnel thanked each and every member for making the monthi fest celebration a memorable one.
He concluded his speech invoking the blessings on forthcoming Fun Filled Evening 2015 scheduled for November 13 at American International School, Maidan Hawally, Kuwait, in aid of St Joseph Prashantha Nivas, Jeppu, Mangaluru.
Nirmala Machado entertained the gathered with exciting fun filled games. Sunil Mendonca entertained the audience by playing soothing devotional hymns and fast numbers to the sound provided by Anand D’Souza of Illuminations.
Saritha Noronha led the prayer before meal.
Prem Crasto, Avil Fernandes and Marvin Ferrao captured the moments of the event.
While seated on the floor, guests enjoyed the authentic and traditional food consisting verities of vegetables, mouth watering pathrode and vorn prepared by UMK family members, served on shiroti (banana leaf).
The event concluded with singing ‘Laudathe’.