Media Release

Mangaluru, Nov 8: It is not everyday that a family spread across seven generations comes together for a reunion. That is what happened with the Castelino family of Makale, and it was not easy, requiring a lot of digging up of the family roots and flawless coordination.

A group photograph of cousins in Farla, Bantwal at the first holy communion of a child in the family, during May 2015 inspired three cousins, to hold a get-together or reunion of the entire family of their grandfather the late Camil Santhan Castelino (1886-1981) who moved from Makale, Cordel and lived in Jakribettu that previously was part of Agrar parish in Bantwal.

At one point of time, the execution of the idea that was taking shape seemed to be next to impossible because of the numerous hurdles that were encountered that included ailments among the organizers and a sad unexpected demise in the family. But the determination was so strong that discussions were continued by the organizers from the hospital bed and then there was no turning back. Phone numbers, photographs, data, and dates that were collected by contacting the present members were appended to the genealogy of Makale Castelinos that was provided by Dr Michael Lobo, genealogist who is probing roots of the Mangalurean Catholics for more than a decade.

On October 24, the get-together of the descendents of the late Camil Santhan Castelino was held in Shanti Kiran, Bajjodi. Fr Dr John Baptist Saldanha, professor and head of chair in Christianity, Mangaluru University and parish priest of St Sebastian Church, Permannur blessed the gathering and celebrated the Mass at 11.30 am. Roy Castelino, president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy and a Makale Castelino himself (grandson of the brother of Camil Santhan Castelino) presided over the function. Dr Michael Lobo, genealogist was the chief guest.

There are 155 members in this branch of the Makale Castelino family and of them, 22 have gone to eternal rest.

After much ferreting, the roots were traced upto their ancestor Salvador Castelino born in 1770 who returned from captivity in Srirangapatna and married Maria Silva of Cordel during 1799. The get-together was attended by the members of the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th generations.

Tradition and customs of the Mangalurean Catholic community were the highlights of the day. After a breakfast consisting of all time favourite ‘panpole-chutney’ and ‘maani’, the guests were welcomed with Jaggery and coconut. There was a display of ancient items that were used in a farmers’ household and by the Castelino’s in Bantwal in their “Pady House”. Pady House set up at the venue was opened by the daughter-in-law of Camil Castelino Mrs.Theresa Castelino. The lighting of lamp by the dignitaries was followed by a short memorial service, where the name(s) of the deceased member was recalled, as an immediate family member walked in prayerful silence with a lit candle in their memory.

In his message, Fr Dr J B Saldanha said that to be successful in life, it is important to stay connected to our roots, however high we fly. He explained his experience during his long stay abroad and that he would miss the smell of earth in his motherland. The settings and the ambience reminded him of his childhood in Bantwal. He appreciated the unity in the family and the efforts put in to bring together one branch of the Makale Castelinos, who are recognized in society for their contributions in whichever field they have worked.

A 10 minute powerpoint presentation depicting the history of Mangalurean Catholics was viewed by the guests which gave a clear picture of how the migration took place from the year 1560 onwards, highlighting the rule of Portuguese in Goa and the reign of Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan and the British in Mangaluru.

Dr Michael Lobo in his speech said that the Makhale Castelino’s was one of the famous families in Mangaluru in the 19th century and he has tried to include as many details as possible in the book on Genealogy of Mangalurean Catholics that is about 9000 pages now and waiting to be published. He also released the Souvenir that contained the genealogy of this branch of Makhale Castelinos, family-wise photographs and other personal data.

This was followed by another 15 minute powerpoint presentation to introduce the families of the children of Camil Castelino and the old traditions and customs that prevailed in the 20th century. The three daughter in laws of Camil Castelino were honoured together with a Religious Sister from the family.

While delivering the presidential address, Roy Castelino, expressed immense pleasure on receiving the most valuable gift in the form of the Souvenir which he said he would preserve and connect it to the other branches of the Makale Castelinos that he is planning to explore and include. He appreciated the thought, planning and the efforts put in to organize the perfect program and applauded the organizers Maxim Castelino, Edwin Castelino and Shubha Rodrigues nee Castelino (grandchildren of Camil Castelino). Talking about the powerpoint presentation on ancient customs and articles, he said that the Altar and the green and brown family tree cake that was set inside 'Pady House' reminded him of the surroundings in his ancestral house in Makale. He also said that there should be more families coming up like this to establish contact with the branches and connect to their roots.

The gathering then joined together for the Holy Eucharistic Celebration. In his Homily, Fr J B Saldanha, referred to names of 4 women in the genealogy of Jesus, who were not so important in the eyes of the world but God had plans for them. He said that Castelino family consists of members with different capacities and talents and God has a plan for each one however great or small we are and we should stay united and connected to our roots. The Holy Mass was con-celebrated by Fr Rohan Lobo, assistant director of the Pastoral Institute at Bajjodi.

The lunch was served on plantain leaves with traditional items that were relished by all present and concluded with ‘Lau da te’ being sung.

Afternoon session was more relaxing with memories being shared, expressing feelings of joy and gratitude to the organizers for a first time experience of such an event and some entertainment and games. Each family member generation wise or relationship wise was given a color badge as they arrived at the venue. This facilitated quick group photographs sessions of 1st, 2nd, 3rd cousins and their spouses. The family members were given copies of the Souvenir and memento and left with a lot of memories after signing and leaving messages on the sign board kept for the purpose.

The unique program said to be a first time experience for many was aptly compered by Anil Monteiro and the stage was set by Maxim Rodrigues of Max Creations. Stanely Bantwal captured the memorable moments. The sumptuous meal served by M D’Souza & Sons Caterers tickled the tastebuds and brought back pleasant memories of the traditional delicacies.