Kuwait, 27 September 2010: The feast of nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is traditionally celebrated as Monthi Festh (Feast) by Mangaloreans Catholics around the world with religious fervor and gaiety.
The members of Belman Welfare Association Kuwait (BELWAK) along with family, friends and the parishioners of St. Joseph’s Church, Belman met at the premises of Royal Plaza Catering Services, Ardiya on Friday September 24, 2010 to celebrate Monthi Festh, the birthday of Mother Mary.
A beginning to the celebration was made by Mr. Johnson Almeida with a thanksgiving prayer, followed by recitation of Rosary led by Rita Rodrigues and a hymn "Sakkad Sangatha Melyan ani Morriyek Hogalsiyan" was sung in unison by one and all. Flowers were offered and Blessed Novem in Milk was served to the gathering.
In the absence of President Jerome D’Souza, Vice President Anil Nazareth welcomed the gathering. He also welcomed Consultant Francis Menezes and notable activist Louis Rodrigues.
The festive message was given by BELWAK’s member Vincent Andrade. As human beings, he stressed on the need to serve and to be helpful to each other in times of difficulties. He spoke on the importance of this feast and its tradition which binds us together.
In the midst of the celebration, Consultant Francis Menezes conducted various spot prizes and entertained the gathering with humorous jokes. Besides spot prizes, games for adults and children, the gathering were entertained to a scintillating dance performance by little baby Danica Monteiro. The feast day symbolized a perfect blend of solemnity and merriment. Towards the close, Housie Housie was conducted by Clifford DSouza.
Vice-President Anil Nazareth gave the vote of thanks. He thanked the committee members and all those who contributed towards the staging of this celebration.
Ex President Tony D’Cruz 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 of Mangalorean Cuisine with "Pothrade" and "Sweet Vorn", served on banana leaves was prepared by Harold D’Souza of Royal Plaza Catering Services. 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 were compered impressively by Clifford D’Souza.