Asia

Media Release

Kuwait, Sep 10 : “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 Our Blessed Virgin Mary in the traditional way along with KCWA members and their family together with “Novem Jevan” on Friday, 8th September 2023 at 7pm in Indian Public School, Salmiya. KCWA offered Festive thanksgiving mass in all 4 Parishes in Kuwait on the day of Monthi Fest celebration. 

The program commenced with the hymn Sakkad Sangatha Melyam along with procession of Mother Mary statue, new crop, dates and flowers by managing committee members. Jinella Rodrigues recited opening prayer with Angelus and Novena prayers followed by kids offering flowers to Mamma Mary. Prayer dance performed by Deyona Santis, Alina Pinto, Ashlyn Fernandes, Ashni Dsouza, Shanaya Pinto, Astal Cardoza and Mariel Dlima. Dance was choreographed by Lavina Rodrigues and Alina Pinto. All the hymns to Mamma Mary were sung by kids in Konkani, Joyston D’Almeida played keyboard, Shanaya Nicole Salisand Sandria Sasha Dcosta played Guitar. The choir was coordinated by Johnson D’Almeida.

President Naveen Mascarenhas welcomed the gathering and Spiritual Director Fr. Noel D’Almeida gave a Nativity Feast message.  

Marian quiz draw was conducted by Spiritual Director Fr. Noel, President Naveen Mascarenhas along withImmediate Past President Ruth Clara Veigas and the Past Presidents Maria Rinna D Souza, Anil Fernandes, Hilary Stevan Rego and Albert Praveen Menezes. 

The Marian quiz competition was open to all Mangalorean Catholics residing in Kuwait. Out of 205 total entries received, 63 were correct entries. Lots was taken to decide the winners and names are as below:

1st Prize: Callie Meryl Menezes

2nd Prize: Vineeta Sharlet Fernandes

3rd Prize: Lional Rayan Mascarenhas 

KCWA takes this opportunity to congratulate the winners and thank all the participants of Marian Quiz. The competition was well coordinated by Sylvia D’Costa and Jinella Rodrigues. 

Public Relation Officer of KCWA, Prakash Gonsalves proposed vote of thanks. Spiritual Director Fr. Noel D’Almeida recited grace before meals and blessed Novem Jevan. Reena Pereira compered the event. The Event ended with a delicious traditional festive meal served on banana leaf. Around 500 members with families were present for the “Novem Jevan”. Everyone enjoyed the festive meal served in a well-organized event. 

On this occasion, KCWA has continued to serve traditional festive meals to less fortunate members of our society in our hometown viz. Mangalore and Udupi diocese. Over 2800 individuals from 11 shelter homes in Mangalore Diocese and 8 shelter homes in Udupi Diocese were served with Monthi Fest Novem Jevan.

Below is the list of shelter homes where festive meals were served: 

This corporal work of mercy, “feeding the hungry” was possible due to overwhelmed selfless support and generosity from our donors. May Mama Mary shower her choicest blessings on all our Donors and their families in abundance.

Media updates were done by Allan D Souza, Sound system was managed by Roshan Rodrigues and the event was captured by Alban Dsouza. Dinner was served by China Metro Restaurant, Farwaniya. KCWA Managing committee would like to express their sincere gratitude to volunteers for their hard work and dedication, also thank the management of Indian Public School, Salmiya for providing the venue. Praveen Fernandes and Deepak Andrade successfully coordinated the event with the support of KCWA Managing Committee members.