Media Release

Kuwait, Sep 10: Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA), along with the Konkani Community of the Holy Family Cathedral celebrated Nativity of our blessed virgin Mary, also known as Monthi fest on September 8 at the Holy Family Cathedral, here.

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

Vicar general of AVONA and parish priest of the Holy Family Cathedral, Fr Peter PM OFM Cap, Fr Anthony Lopez OFM Cap, Fr Noel D’Almeida OFM Cap, Fr Roswin Pires OFM Cap, Fr Dominic Sequeira SDB, Ivan Perera and Fr Ravi Rozario OFM Cap, visiting priest Fr Valerian D'Silva OFM Cap along with other clergies blessed the Novem and dates at the grotto amidst a huge gathering of people followed by procession to the church for the concelebrated mass in Konkani.

KCWA president Maria Rinna D'Souza felicitated Faustine Pinto, KCWA member, who leaves Kuwait for good after spending 27 years in the service of the needy through various associations in Kuwait.

Jeneviv D’Souza announced the Winners of Marian Quiz Competition and prizes were awarded by Fr Dominic Sequeira, Fr Anthony Lopez and Fr Valerian D'Silva to the following winners:

First place: Lional Mascarenhas

Second place: Roopa Rashmi D Souza

Third place: Reshma Rodrigues

The traditional fellowship Dinner was arranged for thousands of devotees gathered on this occasion. Over 2750 devotees took part in the celebration. KCWA president Maria Rinna D'Souza welcomed the gathering. Fr Valerian D'Silva OFM Cap prayed the grace before dinner. Dinner was prepared by M & M Confectionery.

KCWA vice president Michael Pinto proposed the vote of thanks.
The main objective of KCWA in celebrating Monthi Fest along with traditional dinner in the Holy Family Cathedral is to provide an opportunity to enjoy the feast as one family especially to the domestic assistants.

The organisationis indebted to Bishop Camillo Ballin for having faith in their motto and for allowing them to serve their brethren.

KCWA in a very special way thanked the Konkani community of the Holy Family Cathedral headed by Fr Anthony Lopez. KCWA also thanked all those who came forward to help as volunteers – To serve the fellowship dinner, to usher the crowd and to those who supported this event with their generous contribution.

The whole event was successfully coordinated by Sunitha D'Silva, Harrison Monteiro and Anil Fernandes with the support from KCWA managing committee members.