Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 25: The newly translated and compiled Konkani Roman Missal was officially unveiled at the diocesan level on Wednesday, March 25. The historic launch took place during the opening session of the two-day Annual Pastoral Consultation of the diocese of Mangalore, held at St Anthony's Charity Institutes, Jeppu.
The diocesan launch follows the Missal's prestigious national release earlier this year on February 3, at the CCBI meeting in Bengaluru. The local unveiling ceremony was presided over by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore and chairman of the Commission for Liturgy in Konkani.
Joining the bishop for the official release were several prominent dignitaries, including Msgr Maxim L Noronha, vicar general; Dr Victor George D'Souza, chancellor; Fr Joseph Martis, secretary of the Priests' Council; Dr Vincent Sequeira, diocesan secretary of the Bible Commission; Fr Rohit D'Costa, director of Mangala Jyothi; and Fr J B Crasta, director of St Anthony's Charity Institutes, Jeppu.
Alongside the main Missal, three significant companion publications were also officially released to the public during the event:
Extract from the Konkani Romi Misa - Gronth: A specialized booklet containing extracts from the Missal for the people's response, carrying the imprimatur of archbishop Peter Machado and published by the authority of the CCBI.
‘Amchem Mis Tacha Ugdasak: Mis ani Misacha Bhagamcho Arth’: A Konkani explanatory booklet authored by Fr Valerian Fernandes of Rosario Cathedral, designed to help the faithful understand the meaning and parts of the Mass.
‘Together Forever in Christ: Reflections on the Sacrament of Marriage’: An English resource book edited by Fr Alwyn Richard D'Souza, diocesan secretary of the Family Commission, co-published by Mangala Jyothi and ATC Publishers, serving as a sermon and reflection guide for nuptial masses.
During the session, Fr Vijay Machado, executive secretary of the Commission for Liturgy in Konkani, briefed the gathering on the completion of the monumental project. Dr Ronald Serrao addressed the attendees to explain the theological and structural changes in the new Missal.
Addressing the gathering as the president of the CCBI, bishop Peter Paul Saldanha announced that the new Missal will be officially implemented in the diocese starting on the feast of Corpus Christi, June 7, 2026, accompanied by an official decree. He emphasized a key liturgical instruction: the original Latin music formats have been retained, and new tones cannot be composed for these specific parts.
A special felicitation ceremony was held to honor Dr Ronald Serrao, Fr Valerian Fernandes, and Fr Vijay Machado for their tireless, behind-the-scenes work over the years to bring the Missal into existence.
Delivering the official vote of thanks, Fr Machado paid special tribute to bishop Emeritus Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, whose steadfast vision and wholehearted support since March 2010 provided the foundation for this task. He acknowledged the vast collaborative effort from committee members and priests across the regions of Mangalore, Karwar, Udupi, Goa, and Sindudurg.
The massive logistical effort of distributing the sacred books to dioceses across India and the world will be managed by Mangala Jyothi, under the direction of Fr Rohit D'Costa and assistant director Fr Vincent Sequeira.
Special gratitude was extended to the dedicated team of priests who handled the meticulous task of proofreading the Missal: Msgr Maxim Noronha, Fr Vincent Sequeira, Fr Prakash Lobo OFM, Fr William Barboza, Fr Jason SDB, and Fr Duming Gonsalves (CCBI). The vital support of the clerical staff, including Jyothi Pinto in the Mangaluru office and Lourda Pereira in the Goa Liturgy office, was also recognized, along with Dr Joseph Martis for facilitating the event.