By Alban D'Souza

Kuwait, Sep 8: Konkani Community of St Therese Church Salmiya celebrated Monthi Fest on September 4, 4pm onwards. The celebration began with children and elders coming in procession and offering flowers to Mamma Mary followed by blessing of the new corn and dates.

Fr Claud Mascarenhas, visiting priest from Mangaluru was the main celebrant of the holy mass who was accompanied by Fr Antony Lopez and Fr Xavier D'Souza. Fr Claud Mascarenhas in his homily briefed about the history of Monthi Fest in Coastal India and mentioned the importance of mother Mary in the family. Konkani Choir led by KiranGonsalves sang melodious hymns of ‘Mother Mary. Sugarcane was distributed to the children. Blessed corn, dates and Vorn was distributed to the gathering after the mass.

For the first time Salmiya parish got a blessing of celebrating Monthi Fest with spiritual preparation of 9 days Novena in Konkani at Dana Hall. Parish priest Fr Blany Pinto and all the Konkani Speaking Priests in Kuwait joined to prepare for the feast with spiritual depth. Maria Bambina statue was blessed and installed on the first day of Novena. Children offered flowers to Mamma Mary on all the days of Novena.

Konkani Community of Salmiya Parish would like to express their sincere gratitude to all Priests, Eucharistic ministers, Alter Servers, Sacristans, Ushers, Lectors, Choir members and Sponsors who helped in celebrating the feast with devotion and grandeur.