Report by - SWAK Correspondent.
Photography - Alban D'Souza.KUWAIT , SHIRVA
Kuwait, Sep 19: The coming to earth of Mary heralded Joy to the world. For from her has risen the “Sun of Justice”, Christ our God, the promised Messiah.
The feast of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is traditionally celebrated as Monthi Festh (Feast) and a feast of family by Mangalorean Catholics around the world with religious fervor and gaiety.
The feast of the new harvest coincides with the birthday of our Lady on September 8. In gratitude for a bountiful yield, the new crop is blessed and prayed over.
The members of Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK) along with family members met at the premises of Echo Restaurant, Kuwait on Friday 14, 2012 to celebrate Monthi Festh, the birthday of Mother Mary.
The celebration of the day commenced with Welcome & introductory speech by Clifford D'Souza who highlighted the importance of this harvest festival in accordance with the feast of Nativity of Mother Mary. This was followed with a thanksgiving prayer and a recitation of Rosary led by Gretta Julia D’Souza and a hymn "Sakkad Sangatha Melyan ani Morriyek Hogalsiyan" was sung in unison by one and all. Floral offering was done by kids and Blessed Novem in Milk was served to the gathering.
SWAK's ex-president Nitin Castelino delivered the festive message by highlighting the importance of mother Mary & mother in our existence. In his message he highlighted the various forms of mother in our day today life by birth to vocation including the religious fervor.
In the midst of the celebration, President Clifford D'Souza conducted various spot prizes & with the help of cultural secretary Robert Mathias, he entertained the gathering by games.
Towards the close, Housie Housie was conducted by Anil Menezes & Gilbert Mendonca.
Vice-President Alwyn D'Souza gave the vote of thanks and expressed his gratitude to the committee members and all those who contributed towards the staging of this celebration.
Grace before meal was recited by committee member Regina Serrao and Clifford D’Souza gave a traditional call to one and all for Lunch by offering Water “Jevnak Udak”.
The pinnacle of this celebration was the appetizing Vegetarian Meal served on banana leaves. The dining of the harvest meal in unison as one family was indeed the essence of this celebration.
The entire proceedings of the feast day celebration was compered impressively by SWAK's auditor Anil Menezes.