Report & pics by Wilson Saldanha Shirthady/Kuwait & Paul Aranha Shirva
Kuwait,Sep 12: Abbasiya Families Kuwait celebrated the feast of nativity on Friday 18th September 2009 at Integrated Indian School.
The program started with general welcome by Ronnie followed by prayer lead by Melwyn D’Souza. The statue of Mother Mary was brought in a procession to the stage with the children carrying fresh flowers along with Parish Priest Fr. Melwyn D’ Cunha, Fr. Mathew, Fr. Albert, Visiting priests Fr. Valerian and Fr. Clifford. Hymns were sung by the choir members. Fr. Melwyn blessed the grain. The present priests delivered the message of feast.
Gurkars of the day Maxim D’Souza and Norbert D’Souza were felicitated with flowers followed by Gladis’s report on Abbassiya family’s achievements. Visiting priest Fr Valerian Fernandes, a widely acclaimed and popular Catholic priest of Aurangabad diocese was felicitated with fruit basket. Sponsors of the event Monthu- Shammi Furtado, Leslie- Bina Mendonca, Mark- Ashwini D’souza, Lancy Mendonca, Lawrence D’Souza, Felix D’Souza, Joseph Fernandes, Fredric Nazareth, Smile Computers, Lancy Menezes, John Tauro Family, Melwyn Fernandes along with Choir members and other volunteers were felicitated with flower bouquets.
There were a row of entertainment programs like dances, hymns, skit, action songs etc while the guests were served the traditional feast dinner prepared by Little India/ M & M confectionery. Various hymns were sung by the Choir group. The grace before meal was conducted by Sr. Carmel Ann. Benna Pojir delivered the vote of thanks. The Program was well compered by Ronnie, Janice and Jessica. More than 1,000 people attended the program witnessing the unity of Abbassiya Families giving a clear message that making association is not the only way to bring the communities together for any celebrations.