Report by
Fr. Melwin Pinto SJ
Gurkar, Konkan Community,
Vatican Radio, Rome.

Rome, Sep 21 : Although a wee bit late due to unavoidable reasons, the Konkani Kutam, Rome celebrated the Nativity of Our Lady with devotion and fervor at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, on Sunday, September 18. The Konkani speaking priests, religious and laity, hailing from the west coast of India, numbering about 70 came together to celebrate this annual family feast.

The celebrations were specially graced by the presence of the Most Reverend Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore, who presided over the Eucharistic celebration which was concelebrated by a dozen diocesan and religious priests, working and studying here in Rome.

In an inspiring homily the Bishop highlighted the qualities of Mary our heavenly mother, outlined the shining virtues of Our Lady, especially her role as a Mother. He exhorted the faithful to imitate Mary in ordinary things of daily life, but with extraordinary faith and love like her.
The melodious choir, under the leadership of Seminarians Shaun Rodrigues and Ivan Martis, the traditional Monthi Fest hymns bringing back the nostalgic memories of nine-day novena, back in Mangaluru.

After the Eucharistic celebration, the members of Konkani Kutam gathered for ‘NovemJevan’. Bishop Aloysius in his characteristic style, mingled with his small dispersed flock of Mangaluru bringing great joy and cheer.

The first fruits of the season, traditionally called ‘novem’ which were especially brought all the way from India for this occasion and blessed during the mass was brought forward. The Bishop did the honour of mixing the ‘novem’ with the ‘vorn’ which everyone shared after the grace before the meals. The Gurkar of the family, Fr Melwin Pinto, SJ greeted everyone and thanked everyone who helped out in organizing the event.
The home cooked food, by the priests, religious and laity together, especially the delicacies of the west coast,was shared in a spirit of fellowship by one and all.