Old Goa: In a landmark event for the Catholic community in Goa, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão formally unveiled the much-anticipated New Konkani Missal (Romi Misa-Gronth) during the solemn feast Mass of St. Francis Xavier. The release marks a major milestone in the liturgical life of the Archdiocese, offering the faithful a harmonized and carefully reviewed text in the Roman script.
Addressing the congregation, Cardinal Ferrão lauded the Commission for the Liturgy in Konkani (CLK–Goa) for their tireless dedication and congratulated all clergy, scholars, and contributors who brought the monumental project to fruition. “This Missal is not just a book; it is the fruit of years of prayer, scholarship, and collaboration, reflecting the living faith of our Konkani-speaking community,” he said.
During the ceremony, Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, inaugurated Misache Somarombhnnechi Manddavoll – Soho-Somarombhpeanchea Upeoga Pasot (The Order of Mass for the Concelebrants), highlighting the liturgical richness of the new text. Two additional booklets were also released: Misache Somarombhnnechi Manddavoll Bhavatheanchea Upeoga Pasot (The Order of the Mass for the Faithful) by Mathew De Souza, and Bhurgeank Mhoje-xim Yeunk Diyat (The Children’s Mass) by Sr. Alexia Braz FMCK, supporting the use of the Missal across all age groups and parish communities.
The creation of this Missal has been a decade-long collaborative effort spanning multiple Konkani-speaking dioceses, including Mangalore, Goa and Daman, Sindhudurg, Karwar, Udupi, and Belgaum. The initial consultation began on March 26, 2010, at the Bishop’s House in Mangalore, chaired by Bishop Emeritus Aloysius D’Souza. From Goa, Fr. Afonso Mendonca, Fr. Tomas Lobo, and the late Fr. Cristovao Caldeira represented the Archdiocese.
The Commission meticulously reviewed the liturgical texts in four columns Latin, English, existing Konkani, and proposed Konkani to ensure accuracy, theological fidelity, and linguistic consistency. To streamline the process, two working groups were established: Group I (Goa and Daman, Sindhudurg, and Belgaum) and Group II (Mangalore, Udupi, and Karwar), each assigned sections of the Mass for translation and evaluation. The groups convened regularly, consulting priests fluent in Latin and Konkani, and refining texts based on their feedback. Final drafts underwent further scrutiny by over 20 priests in Goa, ensuring precision and liturgical integrity.
A Music Committee was formed to harmonize chants and tunes throughout the dioceses. Convened by Fr. Afonso Mendonca, its members included Fr. Ronald Serrao (CLK–Mangalore), Fr. Tomas Lobo, Bishop Simião Fernandes, and several other clergy who worked to unify melodies for congregational participation.
The New Konkani Missal in Roman Script is set to be introduced in liturgical practice starting Ash Wednesday, with preparatory programs for parishes and homes beginning during Advent and continuing until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. A companion booklet detailing the Order of the Mass, published by the Diocesan Centre for Liturgy, will assist clergy and laity in transitioning to the new Missal.
Fr. Afonso Mendonca expressed heartfelt gratitude to all members of the Commission, working groups, and Music Committee, emphasizing the dedication, collaboration, and pastoral commitment that shaped the project.
The release of the Missal is hailed as a historic milestone for the Church in Goa, providing the faithful with a unified, carefully vetted liturgical resource that reflects years of scholarly effort, pastoral sensitivity, and devotion to the Konkani-speaking Catholic community.