Make every effort to spread Konkani "If Catholics do not make efforts to spread the mother tongue, who else will do it?" retired Archbishop (Bangalore) Rev. Dr. Ignatius Pinto questioned.
Mangalore, DHNS: "If the resolutions made during the course of the first ever world convention of the Canara-Konkani-Catholic community are implemented, then without doubt the society ill achieve progress," noted retired Archbishop (Bangalore) Rev. Dr. Ignatius Pinto. Speaking as the chief guest at the valedictory of the first world convention of the Canara-Konkani-Catholic community at the Bishop Basil D'souza Nagar, near Fisheries College in Mangalore on Wednesday night, he called upon the Catholics to make every effort to spread the mother tongue (Konkani). "If we do not make efforts to spread our mother tongue, who else will do it? he questioned. Appealing the Christian breathren to see to it that every child goes to school, he said "though the Catholics are united, it was not enough. We should show it in our deeds. Only then we will become real Christians." Catholics and service The guest of honour, Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation, Oscar Fernandes, speaking on the occasion, noted that if the Catholics had not offered their services in various fields, probably Christians would not have reached a stage where they are today. Recalling Jochim Alva (freedom fighter) and Rev. Fr. Jerome D'Souza (one of those members involved in the formation of Indian Constitution), he said many men have heightened the pride of Christians by their deeds. He also recalled the services offered by Fr. Muller Hospital, St. Aloysius College, Kodialbail Press, Raknno, St. Joseph's Seminary, St. Joseph's Workshop, MCC Bank, Catholic Bank and many other institutes. He also appealed to the Christian population to help the poorest of poor breathern to help join in the mainstream in the country. On the occasion, Mangalore Diocesan Bishop Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D'Souza honoured Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi for providing the Yenepoya Convention Grounds for the Catholic Convention. The presidents of all the 18 committees set up for smooth functioning of the Convention were also honoured. Thanksgiving Mass The festive closing ceremony began with a solemn thanksgiving mass in which 12 Bishops concelebrated the mass. Archbishop (Bangalore) Re. Dr. Bernard Moras was the chief celebrant. Delivering the sermon during the mass, Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D'Souza said though the Christians suffered a lot in the hands of Tippu Sultan, they (Christians) not only kept alive their faith (religion) but also contributed for its growth. He called upon the Christian breathren to continue the love and sacrifice imbibed by the forefathers. Future Foundation The grand mass was followed by a festive closing ceremony wherein the future course of the community was charted and the 'Future Foundation,' a trust to implement the resolutions was proclaimed. Mangalore University Chair in Christianity Chairperson Rev. Dr. John Fernandes presented the resolutions passed during the six literary conferences held during the convention. The first meeting of the Foundation will be held tomorrow. Ocean of people Thousands of Christians had arrived from nook and corner of the State for the valedictory programme. The scene at the Yenepoya Convention Grounds looked like a 'ocean of people'. Free bus service was arranged for participants between from Milagries church grounds to and from the venue and vice versa. Grand finale Prior to the grand finale, wellknown musician Wilfy Rebimbus and troupe sang the Convention theme song, farewell song and the new year song, while Union Minister Oscar Fernandes took the audience by surprise when he played the mouth organ for a Christmas carol (Come all faithful...). The cracker show not only enthralled thousands of Christians present at the venue but was also a fitting finale to first world Canara-Konkani-Catholic convention. The above article appeared in the December 30, 2004 edition of the Deccan Herald, Mangalore. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Goanet - http://www.goanet.org - Goa's premier mailing list is 10 years old
