Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 25: St Sebastian Church, Bendur, came alive with vibrant Konkani culture, music, tradition and fellowship as the parish celebrated “Bendurcho Konkani Sambram – 2026” on Sunday, August 23. The colourful celebration was organised by the Catholic Sabha of St Sebastian Church, Bendur, in association with the Youth Commission, CAL and YCS, at the Centenary Jubilee Hall.
The festivities commenced with the grand cultural celebration at 6 pm. Prior to the main programme, enthusiastic children participated in a drawing competition and a Bible parable-saying competition held at the Platinum Jubilee Hall. A large number of children took part in the competitions with great enthusiasm and confidence.
The stage programme was beautifully compered by Arun D’Souza Ajekaar, member of the Catholic Sabha. The distinguished dignitaries were warmly welcomed to the venue to the vibrant beats of the Church Brass Band, accompanied by the First Holy Communion children. The ceremonial hoisting of the Konkani flag marked the formal inauguration of the celebration. This was followed by a stirring rendition of the Konkani Anthem, presented by Vinod D'Souza and team.
The distinguished gathering on the dais included chief guest Fr Roopesh Madtha, Rakno Editor and PRO of the Mangalore Diocese; Fr Walter D’Souza, parish priest of Bendur Church Deepak D’Souza, vice-president; Royston Farias, secretary; Loy Rego coordinator of all commissions, John D’Souza, president of Catholic Sabha; Shervin D’Souza, CAL secretary; Rohan Lobo, YCS president; and Joe Pereira, Youth Commission convenor.
Adding a distinct Mangalurean flavour to the celebration, the traditional “Pelye god(Ole bella)”, the locally cherished Mangalurean jaggery, was ceremonially opened from its traditional bundle, symbolising the richness of Konkani heritage and culture.
John D’Souza, president of Catholic Sabha, extended a warm and gracious welcome to the gathering and presented bouquets to the distinguished guests. Lancy Lasrado, treasurer of the Catholic Sabha, welcomed the guests in the traditional Mangalurean manner with Panpod and Udak adding a beautiful cultural touch to the proceedings.
Felicitation of Konkani luminaries
One of the significant highlights of the evening was the felicitation to three distinguished personalities who have made remarkable contributions to the promotion of the Konkani language and culture — Fr William Barboza, Fr Alwyn Serrao and Rita Fernandes.
A thoughtful and inspiring address was delivered by Fr Roopesh Madtha, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting Konkani heritage. He was subsequently honoured with a memento.
During his presidential address, Fr Walter D’Souza appreciated the Catholic Sabha for felicitating Fr William Barboza in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the translation of the Konkani Holy Bible. He urged families to give greater importance to the Konkani language and appealed to parents and younger generations not to allow the beautiful language to fade away.
Speaking on the survival of languages, Fr Roopesh Madtha observed that a language remains alive when it is spoken and passed onto the next generation. He expressed concern over the challenges faced by Konkani, particularly due to the increasing preference for English, and stressed the need for families to consciously preserve their mother tongue.
Fr Alwyn Serrao congratulated the organisers for choosing a meaningful religious and cultural theme for the celebration. He also appreciated the Catholic Sabha for honouring Fr William Barboza for his valuable contribution to Konkani. Recalling his association with Bendur parish, he expressed gratitude to the parishioners for their generous support in his various efforts, including writing and staging different dramas.
The formal stage programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Rohan Lobo, YCS president.
Colourful cultural programme
The cultural programme that followed was a vibrant showcase of talent and tradition. The First Holy Communion children presented a graceful and captivating dance performance, receiving warm appreciation from the audience. The parish clergy enthralled the gathering with a melodious song, while members of the Catholic Sabha presented an entertaining song and traditional Matwa dance.
A special medley performance by CAL, YCS and friends was dedicated to the loving memory of the late Henry D’Souza, a noted singer.
The audience was also treated to an entertaining comedy drama titled “African Doctor”, performed by members of the Catholic Sabha.
Recognition of benefactors and supporters
The generous benefactors and donors who contributed significantly towards the celebration were honoured for their valuable support. Those felicitated included Walter D’Souza, Naveen D Paula, Irene Saldanha, Jeevan D’Souza, Dr Denis Rodrigues, Denis D’Silva, Ashok George Pereira, and, on behalf of Mandd Sobhann, Kishore Fernandes and Arun D’Souza for compering the programme.
The judges who meticulously evaluated the various competitions were also honoured for their valuable service. They included Irene Fernandes, HM of Calvery School; Mavis Rodrigues, former secretary of the Parish Council; Sr Lynette Maria, Yesu Prema Niketan Convent; Sr Lynette D’Souza, charity sister of Infant Mary Convent Jeppu; Anita Frank, convener of the Women’s Commission, Diocese of Mangalore; and Paloma Monteiro, former CAL secretary.
Children who underwent training and served in the Church Brass Band for one year were presented with certificates in recognition of their dedication and service.
Competition winners
All participants in the competitions were presented with participation prizes, encouraging them for their enthusiastic involvement.
Bible Parable-Saying Competition:
Classes 1 to 3
First Place: Elena Maria D’Silva
Second Place: Damien D’Souza
Classes 4 to 7
First Place: Allen Pinto
Second Place: Ruelle D’Souza and Anica D’Souza
Classes 8 to 10
First Place: Viola D’Souza
Second Place: Andria Pinto
Drawing Competition:
Classes 1 to 3
First Place: Candida Rasquinha
Second Place: Rozanna
Classes 4 to 7
First Place: Melroy Sequeira
Second Place: Allen Pinto
Classes 8 to 10
First Place: Saanvika Mascarenhas
Second Place: Andria Pinto
Honouring dedicated service
The celebration also recognised the dedicated service of Raphael Furtado, who was honoured for his valuable contribution as Bandmaster of the Church Brass Band. Maria D’Souza was also felicitated for her dedicated service as the animator of the band.
The grand celebration of Bendurcho Konkani Sambram – 2026 served as a colourful reminder of the enduring richness of Konkani language, culture and tradition, while inspiring the younger generation to cherish, speak and pass on their cherished heritage to future generations.
The programme was guided and meticulously supervised by Denis D’Silva and his family, whose dedicated efforts contributed greatly to the smooth and successful conduct of the celebration.
The evening concluded on a warm, joyful and festive note with Fr Joel Monteiro blessing the dinner, following which a sumptuous fellowship meal was served to all the participants, guests, parishioners and well-wishers. The delicious meal provided a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together in a spirit of friendship, unity and community fellowship.
The grand celebration of “Bendurcho Konkani Sambram – 2026” was a memorable and colourful tribute to the rich Konkani language, culture and traditions. The event not only showcased the remarkable talents of children and parishioners but also served as a meaningful reminder of the collective responsibility to preserve and pass on the cherished Konkani heritage to future generations.