Mangaluru: The newly translated and compiled Konkani Roman Missal was officially unveiled at the diocesan level on Wednesday. The historic launch took place during the opening session of the two-day Annual Pastoral Consultation of the Diocese of Mangalore, held at St Anthony’s Charity Institutes, Jeppu.The diocesan launch follows the Missal’s prestigious national release earlier this year on Feb 3, at the CCBI meeting in Bengaluru. The local unveiling ceremony was presided over by Most Rev Peter Paul Saldanha, 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. Extract from the Konkani Romi Misa-Gronth: A specialised booklet containing extracts from the Missal for the people’s response, carrying the imprimatur of Archbishop Peter Machado and published by the authority of the CCBI. ‘Amchem Mis Tacha Ugdasak: Mis ani Misacha Bhagamcho Arth’: A Konkani explanatory booklet authored by Fr Valerian Fernandes of Rosario Cathedral, designed to help the faithful understand the meaning and parts of the mass. ‘Together Forever in Christ: Reflections on the Sacrament of Marriage’: An English resource book edited by Rev Fr Alwyn Richard D’Souza, diocesan secretary of the Family Commission, co-published by Mangala Jyothi and ATC Publishers, serving as a sermon and reflection guide for nuptial masses. During the session, Fr Vijay Machado, executive secretary of the Commission for Liturgy in Konkani, briefed the gathering on the completion of the monumental project. Rev Ronald Serrao addressed the attendees to explain the theological and structural changes in 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, 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. A special felicitation ceremony was held to honour Rev Ronald Serrao, Fr Valerian Fernandes, and Fr Vijay Machado for their tireless, behind-the-scenes work over the years to bring the Missal into existence. The massive logistical effort of distributing the sacred books to dioceses across India and the world will be managed by Mangala Jyothi, under the direction of Fr Rohit D’Costa and assistant director Fr Vincent Sequeira.
