‘Monglur Kutam’ Celebrates Christmas in Rome
News & Pictures: Fr Elias Frank and Fr Chetan Lobo - Rome
Rome, Jan 14: On the last day of the Christmas season, Jan 13, 2008 the Sunday of the baptism of Jesus, nearly 60 members of the ‘Monglur Kutam’ in Rome came together in the SVD generalate to wish one another the joys of the season. While Fr. Pius D’Souza OCD, and Fr. Ronald Pereira SVD did the welcoming as the ‘family’ members arrived, Fr. Clifford D’Souza together with Sr. Thelma D’Paula prepared for the Holy Eucharist. Fr. Gregory Pinto SVD, General Councillor, presided over the Eucharist, while Frs. Vijay Prabhu SJ, Provincial of Karnataka province and Valerian Sequeira together with nearly 20 priests concelebrated. In his homily, Fr. Gregory highlighted that God was not obliged to send his Son to save mankind and in spite of man’s failure to love him he still sent his Son who would tell us how much the Father loves us! The choir led by Frs Reginald Furtado and Dolphy Pius, singing Christmas hymns in Konkani, revived the nostalgic feelings of the bygone days.
After the Holy Mass Fr. Pius D’Souza OCD, conducted the course of the day. Fr. Chetan Lobo, Capuchin, gave a report as to how the Monglur kutam in Rome functions: “no subscription fee is collected,” he said, “but the generosity of the members keeps this ‘family’ going”.
Br. Anthony Crasta SJ was felicitated and thanked for his over 20 years of silent service to the Monglur kutam. Fr. Valerian Sequeira, who recently completed doctoral studies in Canon Law, was also felicitated.
Hilary Crasta, Fr. Eugene Lobo SJ and Fr. Elias Frank were elected as the new co-ordinating committee members, while Nancy and Sr. Thelma were re-elected to the committee.
Fr Elias Frank, Fr Chetan lobo and Nancy Pinto
Konkni Jesuits, in Rome for the General Congregation to elect their new superior general, too graced the occasion with their well appreciated presence. The Monglur kutam is proud that of the 226 Jesuits gathered in Rome, from all over the world, 10 are Konkani speaking!
Nancy Pinto, Sr. Thelma D’Paula, Fr. Mark D’Souza, Fr. Clifford D’Souza and Fr. Ivan C. Pinto were the power behind making the gathering a success