Report & pics by Wilson Saldanha Shirthady/Kuwait and Paul Aranha

Kuwait,Sep 15: The Families of Abbassiya celebrated the feast of nativity on Friday 14th September 2007 at Integrated Indian School.

The program started with general welcome followed by prayer lead by Jaya.  The statue of Mother Mary was brought in procession along with children carrying fresh flowers in plates at a Mangalorean traditional way.  The first visit of Bishop Camillo Ballin to Abbassiya brought a special glitter to the function.  Bishop Camillo Ballin blessed the grain and children honored Mother Mary with flowers in a traditional Mangalorean way.  The fresh flowers were brought specially from Mangalore by Montu- Shammi Furtado and Dorina.

Gladis Noronha Introduced Bishop Camillo Ballin to the audience and he was honored with shawl and fruit tray by Fr. Melwyn and Lancy Mendonca on behalf of Families of Abbassiya.  The Principal of Integrated Indian School, Manjit Singh was present on the dais.  Bishop and Fr. Melwyn delivered their message in English and Konkani to the audience.  The grace before meal was conducted by Fr. Melwyn.

The delicious Mangalorean meal prepared by China Metro was served on Banana leaves to all the gathered.  A variety of entertainment program was conducted during the meal.  A small drama by Benna Pojire was acted nicely by the member of Abbassiya Families.  Hymns to Mother Mary were sung by Roney D’Cunha, Jasmine, Francis, Jessie and their Troup.  Different hymns were sung with action by the children of Abbassiya families.

The program came to an end with vote of thanks by Maxim D’souza.  The program was mainly sponsored by Monthu Furtado, Leslie, Mark, Lancy Mendonca and Rafael Quadros.  The well arranged program was compered by Ronnie and Lavina.  More than 800 people attended the program witnessing the unity of Abbassiya Families giving a clear message that making association is not the only way to bring the communities for any celebrations.

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