Konkani community in Rome marks joyful end to Christmas season

Fr Melwin Pinto

Rome, Jan 14: The small Mangalorean Konkani community in Rome held their annual Christmas gathering at the SVD House here to mark the end of the Christmas season.

Fr Walter D’Mello, who presided over the Eucharistic celebration, highlighted the role of a Christian in his lively homily. This was followed by an interaction and a brief entertainment programme marked with fun and gaiety.

The highlight of the programme however, was the celebration of the golden jubilee of religious life of Br Anthony Crasta, who is the founder member of what is fondly known as the ‘Konkani Kutam.’ Having spent 27 years of his religious life in Rome, he is warmly regarded as the patriarch of the small community that keeps the Mangalorean language, culture and traditions alive in this eternal city of Rome.

Fr Sunil Ranger SJ raised the toast in his honour and Fr Peter Paul honoured him with a gift of deep appreciation. Fr Melwin Pinto SJ compered the programme.

Fr Victor Rodrigues SVD, the ‘Gurkar’ was re-elected with an overwhelming support, who in turn thanked his team and the entire group for their cooperation and help in making the cultural gathering a grand success. A grand lunch followed with Mangalorean delicacies, relished by one and all with great delight.