from Joseph Nerry D'Souza, Katipalla
Israel, Nov 27: Mangaloreans have reached far off lands and have carved a niche for themselves in all nooks and corners of the globe. Wherever they are, they have managed to come together for a good cause.
This was very visible during the first-ever Konkani retreat held her in the birth place of Jesus. Though many of the Mangaloreans are residing in Israel, they have been deprived of of Konkani Mass or retreat so far. But this long-cherished dream was realized on Saturday November 26 with the commencing of first-ever Konkani retreat preached by Fr Alban D'Souza, parish priest of Pakshikere, Mangalore.
Bishop Robert Miranda of Gulbarga who was visiting Israel on a mission celebrated Mass in Konkani during retreat. A lot of Konkani-speaking Mangaloreans and Goans participated in the retreat and availed themselves of spiritual benefits.
This retreat was the fruit of efforts put in by Brother Prakash D'Souza and his sister Violet D'Souza, Basrur who have been contributing a lot towards the spiritual growth of the Konkani-speaking diaspora spread in Israel. They have been observing fast and praying for all those who are suffering from various ailments, leading a miserable life with no peace of mind etc.
The Konkani-speaking Mangaloreans and Goans residing here were trying their best to initiate a Konkani retreat in Israel for long. They used to visit the venue of Crucifixion to pray for this cause. Prayers were offered by orphan children in Pakshikere, cloistered nuns at Mangalore and other places towards this cause.
Rony Pais, Sunita Pais, Melwin Pais and Naveen Pais from Naravi, Violet Santhmayor from Vamanjoor, Joseph Nerry Katipalla, Nevil D'Souza, Thokkottu, Wilson D'Almedia Padukone, Julie Moras Madantyar and Joachim D'Cunha from Shirtadi have contributed their best by way of prayers towards making this a successful retreat.
Further a special mass has been organized on Saturday December 16 in Bethlehem Church. Moreover, the first-ever Konkani Mass (midnight) on the eve of Christmas will be offered on December 24 night.