“The generous will be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. Prov 22:9”
Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) celebrated the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Feast of Monthi Fest, in a traditional way with its members and families. The event took place on Friday, September 13, 2024, at the Indian Community School in Salmiya. As part of the celebration, KCWA also offered a festive thanksgiving Mass in all four parishes across Kuwait.
The Novem Jovan, which is a special vegetarian meal, is an important part of this feast, symbolizing the harvest and offering thanks for blessings. The Monthi Fest is a significant cultural and religious event for the Mangalorean Catholic community, celebrating the birth of Mother Mary, often accompanied by a focus on family unity, gratitude, and blessings.
The program began with a heartfelt prayer dance performed by a talented group of children, including Anaira Dsouza, Lauren Dsouza, Lauren Mascarenhas, Melissa Ariel Pinto, Nicole Trisha Tauro, Patricia Lilly Pinto, Rachel Mascarenhas, Relony Anne Cardoza, Sienna Lysha Castelino, Siona Kiara Pinto, Viana Carina Dsouza, and Welona Swizel Albuquerque. The choreography for the dance was beautifully arranged by Rita Pinto.
KCWA President Naveen Mascarenhas then welcomed the gathering, setting a festive ambiance for the celebration. The event proceeded with a solemn procession, where the managing committee members, along with the children carried the statue of Mother Mary, new crops, dates, vegetables, sugar cane and flowers. The traditional hymn Sakkad Sangatha Melyam was sung in unison, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere. Following the procession, Deepak Andrade led the Novena prayers, and the children joyfully offered flowers to honor and venerate Mother Mary.
KCWA Spiritual Director, Fr. Avil Rosario, addressed the gathering with an inspiring Nativity Feast message, emphasizing the significance of the occasion. He then proceeded to bless the food, marking an important spiritual moment in the celebration. A highlight of the event was the Marian Quiz draw, conducted by Fr. Avil Rosario, KCWA President Naveen Mascarenhas, Past President Hilary Stevan Rego and Abbasiya Konkani Families President Norbert Dsouza. The quiz, which was open to all Mangalorean Catholics in Kuwait, attracted a total of 171 entries, with only 9 correct responses. A draw was held to select the top three winners. Alan Dmello, Sushma Jenifer Dsouza, and Renuka Cutinha emerging as the winners. KCWA congratulated the winners and expressed gratitude to all participants. The competition was expertly coordinated by Sylvia D’Costa and Jinella Rodrigues.
A special attraction of the event was a presentation titled “Mother Mary’s reflection towards Jesus.” This segment deeply resonated with attendees, fostering a profound sense of spiritual connection and reflection on the close relationship between Mary and Jesus, and it was well appreciated by all present.
KCWA took a moment to honor Vijay Dsouza, a former managing committee member, as he prepared to leave Kuwait. Vijay had served the association with dedication, taking on roles as the Education Fund Coordinator, Membership Coordinator and other services. In his heartfelt farewell address, he expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve the KCWA community. He encouraged all members to consider becoming Life Members, emphasizing that by doing so, they would join hands in supporting a noble cause and contribute to the lasting impact of KCWA’s mission.
The event was a momentous occasion, graced by the past presidents of KCWA, President and representatives from the Konkani Association in Kuwait. Their distinguished presence, along with esteemed guests from Carmel School, including Sr. Sarita, Sr. Vineetha, and Sr. Betzy, underscored the significance of the gathering, making it a truly memorable event.
Cultural Secretary Prashanth Ferrao announced an exciting upcoming mega event drama “SBG Travel Route #2” which will be performed at KCWA’s mega event on January 31, 2025. He introduced the director and cast to the audience, while Fr. Avil Rosario blessed the script and ceremonially handed it over to the artists, marking the formal beginning of preparations.
The Monthi Fest Coordinator Manoj Rego delivered the vote of thanks expressing appreciation for the efforts of everyone involved in making the event a success. Guest priest Fr. Anil D’Costa then led the gathering in a prayer of grace before meals and blessed the Novem Jevan, the traditional festive meal.
Reyan Lobo skillfully compered the event, which concluded with the serving of a delicious traditional meal on banana leaves. About 700 members, along with their families, enjoyed the well-organized Novem Jevan, enhancing the communal spirit of the celebration.
In a continued gesture of generosity, KCWA also ensured that the spirit of Monthi Fest reached less fortunate members in Mangalore and Udupi dioceses. Over 2,800 individuals from 13 shelter homes in Mangalore and 8 shelter homes in Udupi were served with the traditional Novem Jevan, underscoring the association’s commitment to charity and community welfare beyond Kuwait.
Below is the list of shelter homes where festive meals were served:
This act of charity, embodying the corporal work of mercy “feeding the hungry,” was made possible by the overwhelming selfless support and generosity of KCWA’s donors. The association expressed its heartfelt gratitude, praying that Mama Mary may shower her abundant blessings on all donors and their families.
Media updates for the event were handled by Allan D’Souza, while the sound system was expertly managed by Roshan Rodrigues. Alban D’Souza & Prashanth Ferrao captured the event through their photography, ensuring that the memories of the celebration would be preserved. The dinner, served by China Metro Restaurant from Farwaniya, was enjoyed by all.
The KCWA Managing Committee extended sincere gratitude to the dedicated volunteers whose hard work ensured the event’s success. Special thanks were also offered to the management of the Indian Community School, Senior Branch, Block-10 Salmiya, for graciously providing the venue.
The entire celebration was successfully coordinated by Manoj Rego, Deepak Andrade, Praveen Fernandes, Veena Serrao, Reyan Lobo and Roshan Rodrigues with the dedicated support of the KCWA Managing Committee members, making this event a memorable and spiritually uplifting experience for all involved.
