Historic Konkani Roman Missal Officially Unveiled in Mangaluru Diocese
The newly translated and compiled Konkani Roman Missal has been officially unveiled at the diocesan level in a significant ceremony held on Wednesday. This historic launch took place during the opening session of the two-day Annual Pastoral Consultation of the Diocese of Mangalore, which was convened at St Anthony's Charity Institutes in Jeppu.
National Precedent and Local Celebration
This diocesan launch follows the prestigious national release of the Missal earlier this year on February 3, during the CCBI meeting in Bengaluru. The local unveiling ceremony was presided over by Most Reverend Peter Paul Saldanha, the Bishop of Mangalore and Chairman of the Commission for Liturgy in Konkani. Alongside the main Missal, three significant companion publications were also officially released to the public during the event, marking a comprehensive liturgical update.
Companion Publications Released
The companion publications include:
- Extract from the Konkani Romi Misa-Gronth: A specialised booklet containing extracts from the Missal for the people's response. It carries the imprimatur of Archbishop Peter Machado and is published by the authority of the CCBI.
- ‘Amchem Mis Tacha Ugdasak: Mis ani Misacha Bhagamcho Arth': A Konkani explanatory booklet authored by Father Valerian Fernandes of Rosario Cathedral. This resource is designed to help the faithful understand the meaning and parts of the mass in greater depth.
- ‘Together Forever in Christ: Reflections on the Sacrament of Marriage': An English resource book edited by Reverend Father Alwyn Richard D'Souza, the diocesan secretary of the Family Commission. Co-published by Mangala Jyothi and ATC Publishers, it serves as a sermon and reflection guide for nuptial masses.
Project Details and Implementation Announcement
During the session, Father Vijay Machado, the executive secretary of the Commission for Liturgy in Konkani, briefed the gathering on the completion of this monumental project. Reverend Ronald Serrao addressed the attendees to explain the theological and structural changes incorporated into the new Missal.
Addressing the gathering as the president of the CCBI, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha announced that the new Missal will be officially implemented in the diocese starting on the feast of Corpus Christi, June 7. This implementation will be accompanied by an official decree. He emphasised a key liturgical instruction: the original Latin music formats have been retained, and new tones cannot be composed for these specific parts, ensuring traditional continuity.
Recognition and Distribution Efforts
A special felicitation ceremony was held to honour Reverend Ronald Serrao, Father Valerian Fernandes, and Father Vijay Machado for their tireless, behind-the-scenes work over the years to bring the Missal into existence. Their dedication was acknowledged as pivotal to the project's success.
The massive logistical effort of distributing the sacred books to dioceses across India and the world will be managed by Mangala Jyothi. This distribution will be under the direction of Father Rohit D'Costa and assistant director Father Vincent Sequeira, ensuring widespread accessibility for the Catholic community.
