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Pamboor Welfare Association (PWAK) – Monti Fest (Nativity Feast) Celebration - 2025

The Monti Fest celebration of the Pamboor Welfare Association Kuwait (PWAK) was held with great joy and devotion on September 19th at the New English School Auditorium in Salmiya.

Gracing the occasion were Rev. Msgr. Maxim Noronha, Vicar General of the Mangalore Diocese and a native of Pamboor Parish, and Rev. Fr. Benjamine Pinto, Parish Priest of Urwa Parish, whose presence added grace and spiritual depth to the event. The program began promptly at 6:30 PM with the traditional blessing of "Novem" (new corn) and floral offerings to Mother Mary, led with devotion by Mrs. Babita Lavita.

Following the prayer service, the dignitaries were invited onto the stage with due respect. Rev. Msgr. Maxim Noronha, Rev. Fr. Benjamine Pinto, along with PWAK President Mr. Steven Kishore Mendonca and Secretary Mr. Lester Sequeira, were formally welcomed.

In his welcome address, Mr. Steven Kishore Mendonca greeted all guests and members warmly. Special recognition was given to the Presidents of neighboring parish associations, who were present and honored with bouquets for their continued support and camaraderie.

As part of the celebration, the children participated joyfully in a cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing unity and festivity. Newly joined members were welcomed with a rose, while sponsors and well-wishers were felicitated with flowers as a gesture of appreciation.

Academic achievers were recognized on stage:
Serena Daisy D’Souza, for outstanding performance in her 10th-grade exams Johan Liston Fernandes, for securing top marks in the 12th grade
Both were honored alongside their proud parents by the esteemed guests. The guest priests were formally introduced and presented with mementos on behalf of PWAK, as tokens of gratitude.

In his message, Rev. Msgr. Maxim Noronha expressed heartfelt thanks to the people of Pamboor for their enduring support. He invoked Mother Mary’s blessings on all present and encouraged everyone to lead their lives guided by her love and protection. Rev. Fr. Benjamine Pinto, in his address, highlighted the spiritual significance of Monti Fest, emphasizing the importance of love, unity, and harmony in our lives. He sincerely
thanked PWAK for the invitation and hospitality.

The celebration also included a group birthday celebration for all those born in September, marked by a joyous cake-cutting ceremony and blessings from Msgr. Noronha. The official proceedings concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Mr. Lester Sequeira, appreciating the efforts of all who made the event successful. A vibrant cultural program followed, starting with a devotional song dedicated to Mother Mary, sung by the children. Attendees enjoyed a variety of performances including a welcome dance, group singing, and folk dances presented by PWAK members. Fun-filled games added liveliness, and the highlight of the evening was the energetic Baila dance, in which everyone enthusiastically participated. The event was smoothly compered by Mr. Loyal D’Souza, whose engaging style kept the program flowing seamlessly.

The celebration concluded with a delicious traditional vegetarian Monti Fest dinner served on banana leaves, embodying the true spirit of sharing and community. With hearts full of joy and gratitude, all attendees joined in a closing prayer, thanking God and especially Rev. Msgr. Maxim Noronha and Rev. Fr. Benjamine Pinto for their presence and blessings. The evening was a true reflection of faith, fellowship, and cultural unity, and it reaffirmed the values that Monti Fest represents.