LONDON
A Goan priest’s recent visit of to Ireland became a journey of faith, fellowship and community, taking him across different parts of the country to celebrate Holy Mass with Goan and Catholic communities.
The pastoral ministry of Fr Clifford Fernandes, Assistant Parish Priest at Holy Trinity Church, Benaulim-Goa, and the close connection with the faithful made his visit to Ireland a particularly meaningful occasion for the Goan community, said Aldrin Coutinho, attorney of Goan Association Ireland.
Fr Clifford’s visit was made even more special through the efforts of the members of the Goan Association Ireland, who coordinated and supported the various celebrations, giving members of the Goan community an opportunity to come together and celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption in different parts of Ireland.
From Dublin to Wexford, Killarney and Knock, Aldrin said each celebration became an opportunity for prayer, fellowship and cultural connection.
CLONDALKIN
The journey began with a Mass and celebration at Ronan Church in Clondalkin, where Fr Clifford celebrated Holy Mass together with Fr Eddy.
The gathering provided a warm welcome to Fr Clifford and brought the faithful together in prayer and fellowship. It was a beginning to a journey that would take the celebration of faith to different communities across Ireland.
TALLAGHT
Fr Clifford then celebrated a Konkani Mass at St Mary’s Priory in Tallaght, Dublin. For the Goan community living in Ireland, a Konkani Mass is a deeply cherished experience. Hearing the prayers, readings and hymns in Konkani creates a special connection with Goa, its traditions and the faith passed down through generations.
Members of the Goan Association Ireland joined the faithful in making the celebration a meaningful occasion of prayer and community.
WEXFORD
The journey continued to Wexford, where Fr Clifford celebrated Holy Mass at Conception Church.
The celebration gave the Goan community in the area an opportunity to gather together and mark the Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption in a spirit of devotion and thanksgiving.
The presence and coordination of members of the Goan Association Ireland helped bring people together and strengthened the sense of community surrounding the celebration.
KILLARNEY
One of the significant highlights of Fr Clifford’s visit was his journey to Killarney, where he celebrated Mass at the Franciscans Friary Church.
This celebration created a historic moment for the Goan community, as it was the first-ever Konkani Mass celebrated in Killarney.
The occasion brought the Goan faithful together to celebrate their faith in their mother tongue. The congregation participated with great devotion, making the Mass a memorable spiritual experience.
Adding to the joy of the occasion, the youth of Killarney presented a choir, leading the congregation in song. Their participation brought vibrancy to the celebration and demonstrated the important role that the younger generation continues to play in keeping faith, music and Konkani culture alive.
KNOCK
Another highlight of the journey was Fr Clifford’s visit to Knock Shrine, one of Ireland’s most significant places of Catholic pilgrimage.
At Knock, Fr Clifford concelebrated Mass with Irish priests, creating an experience of unity and communion within the universal Catholic Church. It was a powerful reminder that although communities may speak different languages and come from different cultures and countries, they are united in one faith.
CONNECTING GOANS
Aldrin said Fr Clifford’s visit to Ireland was much more than a journey from one church to another.
“It became a journey of faith connecting Goans across different parts of Ireland. Through the dedication and coordination of the Goan Association Ireland and its members, the Goan community had the opportunity to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption in different locations, bringing the spirit of Goa and the beauty of Konkani worship to communities throughout the country,” said Aldrin.
He said each Mass carried its own special memories, but together they formed one beautiful celebration of faith, culture and community.
“From the welcome in Clondalkin, to the Konkani Mass in Tallaght, the celebration in Wexford, the historic first Konkani Mass in Killarney and the memorable concelebration at Knock, Fr. Clifford’s journey left behind moments of prayer, friendship and unity,” said Aldrin.
“It was a journey that demonstrated the strength of the Goan community in Ireland and its commitment to preserving its faith, Konkani language, traditions and sense of belonging, while embracing and celebrating alongside the wider Irish Catholic community.”
“For Fr Clifford, and for all those who participated, it was truly a memorable journey of faith, friendship and fellowship across Ireland.”
