Cardinal Ferrão Unveils New Konkani (Roman Script) Missal at Old Goa

Old Goa, December 3, 2025 — The long-awaited New Missal in Konkani (Romi Misa-Gronth) was formally released by Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão during the solemn feast Mass of St. Francis Xavier, marking a significant milestone for the Church in Goa.

Addressing the gathering, Cardinal Ferrão praised the tireless work of the Commission for the Liturgy in Konkani (CLK–Goa) and congratulated everyone involved in producing this major liturgical text in the Roman script.

During the ceremony, Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, launched Misache Somarombhnnechi Manddavoll – Soho-Somarombhpeanchea Upeoga Pasot (The Order of Mass for the Concelebrants).

The development of the new Missal has been an extensive, collaborative undertaking across Konkani-speaking dioceses. The first meeting of regional representatives took place on 26 March 2010 at the Bishop’s House, Mangalore, chaired by Bishop Aloysius D’Souza, now Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore. Representing the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman were Fr. Afonso Mendonca, Fr. Tomas Lobo, and the late Fr. Cristovao Caldeira.

The Commission for the Liturgy in Konkani included the dioceses of Mangalore, Goa and Daman, Sindhudurg, Karwar, Udupi, and Belgaum. The Commission reviewed the liturgical texts using four columns—Latin, English, present Konkani, and proposed Konkani. To speed up the process, two groups were formed: Group I (Goa and Daman, Sindhudurg, and Belgaum) and Group II (Mangalore, Udupi, and Karwar), with sections of the Mass assigned accordingly for translation and evaluation.

These working groups met regularly, consulting numerous priests proficient in Konkani and Latin, and integrating their feedback. Each revised version was presented at Commission meetings, which were held every three months for four to five consecutive days. Even the final agreed texts were circulated among over 20 priests in Goa (Roman Script) for further review, resulting in additional refinements.

Goa’s representatives on the Commission included Fr. Afonso Mendonça (Convenor), Bishop Simião Fernandes, Fr. Tomas Lobo, Fr. Manuel Gomes, the late Fr. Cristovao Caldeira, the late Fr. Almir De Souza, and the late Fr. Kyriel D’Souza SFX.

A Music Committee was also established to unify tunes across the region. Members included Fr. Afonso Mendonca (Convenor), Fr. Ronald Serrao (CLK–Mangalore), Fr. Tomas Lobo (CLK–Goa), Bishop Simião Fernandes (CLK–Goa), Fr. Lino De Sa, Fr. Bernado Cota, Fr Matthew Rebello, Fr. Joe Rodrigues, Fr. Romeo Monteiro, and Fr. Seby Vaz.

The Konkani Missal in Roman Script will come into liturgical use from Ash Wednesday. Preparations for its introduction in homes and parishes will begin during Advent and continue until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, supported by a booklet on the Order of the Mass published by the Diocesan Centre for Liturgy.

Two additional booklets were also unveiled: Misache Somarombhnnechi Manddavoll – Bhavatheanchea Upeoga Pasot (The Order of the Mass for the Use of the Faithful), released by Mathew De Souza, and Bhurgeank Mhoje-xim Yeunk Diyat (The Order of the Children’s Mass), released by Sr Alexia Braz FMCK.

Fr. Afonso Mendonca expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to the revision and publication effort.

The release of the new Missal stands as a historic moment for the Church in Goa, offering the faithful a unified, meticulously reviewed liturgical text shaped by years of dedication and pastoral commitment.

By Bro. Malvino Alfonso

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