Media release by Stan Rodrigues

Rome, Apr 30 : Konkani Kutam Rome came together to share the Easter joy on Sunday, 29th April  2012 at the Jesuit Generalate. The day was all the more significant as the universal Church celebrated it as the Good Shepherd Sunday and Vocation Sunday. The Solemn Eucharistic celebration in Konkani was presided over by Fr. Faustine Lobo, National Director, Pontifical Mission Societies, India, who is on an official visit to Rome.

In his introduction Fr. Lobo called upon to be living testimonies to the Risen Christ and proclaim His love to others. Fr. Peter Paul Saldana, professor at the Urbanianum Pontifical University broke the Word of God. In his meaningful and captivating homily Fr. Saldana said “while Jesus lived among us, He did not draw any picture of His, or there is nothing that He wrote about Himself, but the miracle is that even after two thousand years He is not forgotten for He is Risen and continues to live and work through His followers”.

Highlighting the significance of the Good Shepherd Sunday Fr. Saldana gave a clarion call to radiate God's love especially in our families. As Risen Jesus was the guiding force to the Apostles during their missionary journeys, so also the same Lord is present now and guides in our way of life and even draws others to Himself he added.  Fr. Rajesh Rosario and Br. Rockwin Pinto animated the Choir.

The Mass was followed by a friendly chit-chat. Fr. Wilfred Pais ocd, welcomed the gathering. The new members were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and were accorded with a cordial welcome to the Konkani Kutam. Joslin Crasta d/o Mr. Hilary Crasta from Farla parish was felicitated belatedly by Br. Tonny Crasta sj., on the occasion of her First Holy Communion in Room on 27th April.  Fr. Rajesh Rosario entertained the gathering with jokes. For the want of time American Housie was conducted.  Fr. Melwin Pinto sj., prayed the grace over the meal.

All enjoyed a traditional and sumptuous Mangalorean buffet. Mr. Hilary was one of the main sponsors of the dinner in honor of the First Holy Communion of his daughter. It was enriching to see a gathering of about eighty priests, religious and laity working/serving/studying in Rome. The Gurkar, Fr. Sunil Ranjar sj., proposed the vote of thanks and lauded the wholehearted support and availability of the members. Br. Rockwin with his lively humour compeered the program and kept the audience in high spirits. All joyfully praised the Almighty singing “Laudate Dominum”.