Media Release

Kuwait, Sep 9: The Konkani community of Our Lady of Arabia Church, Ahmadi joyfully celebrated the Nativity of Mother Mary on Friday, September 5. This much-awaited annual event began with a nine-day Novena, prayerfully led by Fr Stephen D’Souza, capuchin, the parish priest of St Clare Church, Akuluto and principal of St Clare School, Akuluto, Nagaland.

During the novena, Fr Stephen beautifully reflected on the virtues of Mother Mary, emphasizing her role as a powerful intercessor for sinners, the sick, and the repentant. He reminded the faithful that Mother Mary stands as a pillar of strong family life and remains a shining example and inspiration for all Catholics. Her apparitions throughout history have consistently called the faithful to deeper prayer and devotion to the Holy Rosary.

Each day of the Novena saw the participation of many parishioners, including enthusiastic children, who came together to honour Mother Mary with great devotion.

The festive Mass on September 5 commenced with children dressed in their finest traditional attire, carrying colourful flowers lovingly arranged on plates.

The solemn procession began with altar servers, Eucharistic ministers, lectors, and the celebrants:

• Fr Antony Lopez

• Fr Avil Rosario

• Fr Roswin Pires

• Fr Stephen D’Souza

After the blessing of the new paddy and the introductory prayers, the children joyfully showered flowers on Infant Mary while the choir melodiously sang 'Moreak Hogolsiya'. The vibrant shower of multi-coloured petals created a festive and magnificent atmosphere that touched every heart present.

In his homily, Fr Stephen spoke on the importance of building strong family bonds, especially through praying the Holy Rosary together as a family. He poignantly addressed the modern epidemic of loneliness, urging everyone to spend quality time with their loved ones, setting aside the distractions of mobile phones and digital devices.

Ronald D’Silva, president of the Konkani Committee, expressed heartfelt thanks to the clergy, Eucharistic ministers, choir, altar servers, volunteers, and the entire congregation for their contributions in making the Monthi Fest Mass a grand success.

The celebration was also a bittersweet moment as the community bid farewell to Fr Roswin Pires, due to his forthcoming transfer. The entire Konkani community of Ahmadi parish gathered to honour their beloved parish priest and spiritual director, who had served them with dedication and love.

Fr Roswin was instrumental in the elevation of Our Lady of Arabia Church into a Minor Basilica, a milestone achievement made possible under his guidance and leadership. His relentless support and pastoral service will be forever etched in the hearts of the faithful.

Fr Roswin, in his address, thanked the congregation and wished everyone a blessed Monthi Fest. Thanks to the generosity of donors, traditional sugarcane and Noven Jevan were joyfully shared among the faithful, beautifully organized by the Konkani Committee, Ahmadi. Nearly 1000 Konkani-speaking Catholics from all over Kuwait participated in the traditional vegetarian meal, lovingly prepared and served — like one family, united in faith and fellowship, in their home away from home.