Kuwait: prayer Service for Peace and Solidarity
Report & pics by Wilson & Priya Saldanha, Shirthady/Kuwait

Kuwait, Sep 18: In view of the ongoing attacks on Catholic places of worship in and around Mangalore, representatives of Indian Catholics in Kuwait held a special “Prayer Service for Peace & Solidarity” on Thursday 18th September 2008 at 6:00 PM at the Cathedral auditorium.  The program was held under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Melvyn D’Cunha.

The apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Monged El- Hachem, Fr. Mathews, Sr. Mariolita,  Fr. Melvyn D’Cunha, Archie Menezes, Elias Sanctis and Wilson Coelho were present on the dais for expressing the views on behalf of gathering. Rudy compared the program.

Archie Menezes briefed the incident happened in English whereas Elias Sanctis delivered speech in Konkani.  Elias explained the need of Mangalorean Catholic’s participation in politics, higher government posts and politics which will help in supporting to protect our rights.  Goan Welfare Society president Wilson Coelho expressed his views and extended support of Goan community to Mangaloreans.

Fr. Mathew from Kerala state asked everyone to unite under one banner of Christ forgetting region and languages and show unity.  He also asked the Catholics not to be violent and to be moralistic.  Nuncio Archbishop Monged El- Hachem said that the whole world is shocked with the news as India is known for tolerance and famous for communal harmony.  The program came to an end with hymns, prayer and blessing of holy sacrament.

The service was arranged by the call of Catholic Associations in Kuwait namely, Kuwait Canara Welfare Association, Shirva Welfare Association, Kundapur Varado Welfare Association, Agnesian Alumnae Kuwait, Aloysian Alumni Kuwait, Kuwait Pangla Association, Kanajar Welfare Association, Belman Welfare Association, United Derebalites, Goan Welfare Society, Kala Mogi Kuwait and Carmel Convent sisters.