Report and Pics: Wilson & Priya Saldanha Shirthady/Kuwait
Daijiworld Media Network – Kuwait (SP)

Kuwait, Dec 17: In Gulf countries, the life is so mundane, the people hardly know those living next door. The weary loneliness and a sense of insecurity always tire out the expatriates in the Gulf.  To drive away such feelings, Fr Melvin, parish priest of Holy Family Cathedral - Kuwait, took an initiative to hold prayer meetings in different areas of the parish. His main intention was to bring people together to help them to know each other, and to be able to help each other at times of need.

On a monthly basis, families were made to get together in some houses and pray for an hour. After the prayers, they engaged themselves in a little chit chat, shared their joys or worries, while the children enjoyed playing. As people get to know other nursing common interests, passions or problems, more activities started occurring, so the people living in a particular area started getting to know each other as months passed by.  The news of job requirements and vacancies also figure in their discussions when they meet.  Housewives extend help to others by extending their services at home, such as baby sitting, offering beauty services etc.  They have a get-together during the occasions such as Christmas, Easter, Nativity Feast, etc., where they share their joys. Six such groups came together to bid adieu to Fr Melvin on Wednesday December 16, at Carmel school Auditorium, Khaitan at 7.00 pm.

The programme started with a holy mass, followed by light snacks.  Fr Melvin and his achievements were presented before the audience.  Different entertainment programmes such as dances, action songs etc., were presented.  It was more a sentimental evening than an entertaining one, as everyone was sad at having to part with a noble, worthy, priest like Fr Melvin.

Fr Melvin D’Cunha was born in Madanthyar, Mangalore. He joined the Carmelite Order (OCD) in 1985, and pursued his studies at various places like Goa, Mysore, Bangalore and Mangalore.  He began his profession in Margao, Goa on October 15, 1988.  He graduated (BA) from Mysore University in 1991. His studies in philosophy were done at Pushpashrama, Mysore.   In 1992, he did his Regency in Bombay and completed his theology and bachelor of theology at St Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore.

Fr Melvin was ordained deacon on October 12, 1995 and ordained to the priesthood on April 23, 1996.   From May 31, 1996 until he came to Kuwait on December 20, 2000, Fr Melvin was the assistant parish priest at St Joseph’s Church, Mira Road, Mumbai. He also has finished a three-year diploma in formation and counselling from Bangalore University. His other interests and hobbies are sports, games and music, both instrumental and vocal. He passed grade 3 with distinction, the Theory of Music from Trinity College of Music, London, in 1991 (Source: vicariate website).  After completing nine years in Kuwait, he will be leaving in January 2009.  His next destination will be decided during the visit of Carmelites Provincial on December 28, 2009.

Fr Melvin is the first parish priest of Kuwait Cathedral, which is an achievement in itself.  He has brought considerable changes in the Cathedral during his period.  He has a record of being the parish priest of all the three parishes (Ahmedi, Salmiya and Cathedral) in Kuwait, and gets credit for adding Salmiya chapel to the parish.  The huge gathering of the crowd during the week days was the proof of his popularity in Kuwait. He was the priest who always responded to the feelings of the parishioners, especially the children. 

The programme came to an end at 10.30 pm with a sumptuous dinner.

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