SEP 08 - HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL : Feast of the Nativity of Mary

Mary seeks for those who approach her devoutly and with reverence, for such she loves, nourishes, and adopts as her children. -- St. Bonaventure AVE MARIA

The "Nativity of Mary" conjures up the beautiful and touching image of the Infant Mary in the loving arms of her mother. We learn from early Christian writers (the Protoevangelium of James - written around 120 AD) about the events surrounding Mary's birth. From this book we learn that Mary's parents were named Joachim and Anne (Y'hoyakhin and Hannah in Hebrew). The feast of the Nativity (Birth) of Mary was first celebrated in the East by the Church of Jerusalem. The Western Church adopted this joyful feast only around the seventh century.

By observing this feast, we not only commemorate Mary's birthday but also focus our attention on the Infant Mary. In modern times, this devotion takes on a deeper meaning as it proclaims the beauty of innocence and childhood to a world which seems intent on destroying both! It can stand as a witness against female infanticide, still practised in many parts of the world, and many have already begun to look upon the Infant Mary as a patroness of the Pro-Life cause!

What better gift could we offer our Blessed Mother on her birthday than the Holy Rosary? The fine weather attracted hundreds to the grounds of the Holy Family Cathedral where the Five Joyful Mysteries were recited in front of the grotto. The service included the singing of traditional Marian hymns in Konkani after each decade and the singing of the 'Litany to Our Lady' in Latin.

This large event honoring our Blessed Mother ended on a festive note with boiled gram and soft drinks being served to the entire gathering.

SEP 08 - VICARIATE OF KUWAIT : Launching of the Web-site

The web-site of the Catholic Community in Kuwait was officially launched by the Vicariate on 8 September 2000. Announcements to the effect were made after every Mass on Friday (8 SEP), Saturday (9 SEP) and Sunday (10 SEP) in the three parishes of the Vicariate Apostolic of Kuwait.

Posters with the details of the web-site were prominently displayed on every parish notice-board. The Web Team thanks Rev. Msgr. Francis Micallef and the members of the Clergy for their whole-hearted support and encouragement in making the web-site a reality.

POSTER DESIGN by Raymond Pereira