Daijiworld Media Network – Chikkamagaluru
Chikkamagaluru, May 16: A two-decade-old dispute over the use of Konkani in Sunday Mass in the Chikkamagaluru Catholic diocese has entered the legal arena, with a local court agreeing to hear the case despite objections from the bishop.
The principal civil judge’s court in Chikkamagaluru dismissed Bishop Anthony Swamy Thomasappa’s plea that the issue falls solely under religious jurisdiction governed by Canon Law. The court ruled instead that the matter involves constitutional rights, particularly the right to worship in one’s mother tongue.
The suit, filed by Sylvestar Saldanha, general secretary of the Catholic Konkani Rakan Sanchalan, argues that over 65% of the faithful in the diocese are Konkani speakers and seek Mass in their native language. The diocese currently conducts liturgical services in Kannada, Karnataka’s official language.
Bishop Thomasappa contended that Canon Law empowers him to determine the language of liturgy in his diocese and that civil courts have no role in internal Church matters. However, the lay group maintains that the Constitution of India protects their right to worship in a language they understand, and Canon Law does not mandate any particular language for liturgy.
The court’s order, issued on May 2 and made public on May 12, supports the laymen’s right to prayer in their own language, citing the importance of comprehension and participation in religious practice.
A diocesan priest supporting the lay group told media that the request is not for liturgical changes but simply for Mass in Konkani where the population justifies it. “People are even willing to accept a separate time slot,” the priest added, calling the demand an administrative issue that should be easily resolved.
The group also pointed out that Konkani Mass is already allowed in the Archdiocese of Bangalore, following the Second Vatican Council’s approval for use of vernacular languages.
The bishop’s legal counsel, advocate V T Thomas, said they are reviewing the court’s decision and will determine their next steps soon.