Pics: Alwyn Noronha

Kuwait, Sep 11: Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA), in collaboration with the Konkani Community of the Holy Family Cathedral celebrated Nativity of our Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Monti Fest on September 9 at the Holy Family Cathedral, in the city.

KCWA has been celebrating this feast since its formation in 1988 and Mangalureans all around the world celebrate this important feast.

Vicar general of Avona and parish priest Fr Peter, Fr Anthony Lopez, Fr Noel D’Almeida, Fr Roswin Pires, Fr Blany Pinto, visiting priest Fr Johnson Fernandes and Deacon Sylvester D’Souza along with other clergies blessed the novem and dates at the grotto amidst a huge gathering of people. The devotees then went in procession to the church for the concelebrated mass in Konkani.

The traditional fellowship dinner had been arranged for thousands of devotees gathered on this occasion. Over 3000 devotees took part in the celebration. KCWA’s president Hilary Stevan Rego welcomed the gathering. Sisters of Apostolic Carmel were present on the occasion. Fr Roswin recited the grace before dinner prepared by M & M Confectionery.

The main objective of KCWA in celebrating Monti Fest along with the traditional dinner at the Holy Family Cathedral was to provide those who work as house helps and drivers an opportunity to enjoy this feast as one family. This was due to faith in the motto by Bishop Camillo Ballin and the opportunity he provided to serve their brethren.

KCWA appreciated the Konkani Community of the Holy Family Cathedral headed by Fr Anthony Lopez and thanked all those who helped as volunteers – to serve the fellowship dinner, to usher the crowd and those who supported this event with their generous contribution.

The whole event was successfully coordinated by Freya Saldanha and Harry Fernandes with the support from KCWA managing committee members.