Kuwait: Queen of Arabia Konkani Community Ahmadi (QAKCA) celebrates Monthi Fest

By Clara Fernandes
Pictures by Ibrahim, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Kuwait, 12 September 2010: Queen of Arabia Konkani Community Ahmadi Kuwait (QAKCA) celebrated the traditional ‘Monthi Fest’ (nativity Feast) and honored Blessed Infant Mary on her Birthday.  The celebration was held on 10th September 2010 at Queen of Arabia Church, Ahmadi. A crowd of over 2000 gathered at Ahmadi church to venerate Mother Mary on this blessed day.

 

The programme started at 11.00 AM by blessing of the new Corn and locally produced Dates by Fr. John Harry D’Souza - Spiritual Director of QAKCA. Little children offered flowers to Mother Mary and everyone joined in singing Mary’s traditional Konkani hymn `Sakkad Sangatham Mellyan’. Fr. Alban D’Souza from Pakshikere, Mangalore celebrated the solemn Eucharistic Mass in Konkani and preached a powerful homily which stressed on drawing inspiration from Mother Mary to build up a strong family. Our family prayers will draw us closer to God and each other was also the main focus of the sermon. Fr. Lionel Braganza from Don Bosco, Salmiya and Fr. John Harry D’Souza joined in the concelebration. The blessed grain was distributed after the Mass.

 

A short programme was arranged after the Holy Mass. Mr. Stephen K. Sequeira (Secretary QAKCA) invited his Excellency Bishop Camillo Ballin, Vicar Apostolic of Kuwait, Fr. Andrew Francis, Parish Priest of Ahmadi Church and Fr. Alban D’Souza on the dais. He extended his warm welcome and felicitated them with flower bouquets. The programme also included a welcome dance by children. 

 

 

 

 

United Mangloreans Kuwait (UMK) presented a rib tickling hilarious skit and another skit with a powerful message that public properties, schools, gardens, etc should be kept clean. UMK had the audience spell bound with their performance. The attendees also appreciated them and the entire atmosphere was filled with laughter.

 

In preparation for the Monthi Feast QAKCA had organized a ward wise singing competition on Marian devotional hymns. On this occasion His Excellency Bishop Camillo Ballin Vicar Apostolic of Kuwait disturbed trophies and certificates to the solo and group winners and runners–up within the ward. Mrs. Clara Fernandes (Media Reporter) gave a brief Interim Activity Report of QAKCA.

 

His Excellency Bishop Camillo Ballin wished the congregation on the feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary, thanked the Konkani Community. He stressed on unity of different communities in one Church. As a token of our love and appreciation Fr. John Harry D’Souza presented a memento on behalf of QAKCA to His Excellency Bishop Camillo Ballin.

 

Fr. John Harry D’souza proposed the vote of thanks. He extended his gratitude to everyone who was responsible in making this event a great success. He also thanked all the Choir Members, Volunteers and all the Sponsors who had been generous in sponsoring for the event.

 

The programme concluded with the traditional Fellowship Meals. Delicious vegetarian dishes were the part of the menu along with vorn for dessert.

 

The event overall turned out to be an outstanding success.  It included worship, tradition and excitement.  We sincerely thank all the devotees and all those who helped us in making this event a memorable one.