Goans and Urdu-speaking pilgrims from various parishes take part in Mass at the St Patrick’s Cathedral in Karachi.
KARACHI
The spirit of unity, brotherhood, and reverence among Goans was showcased through the efforts of the Goenkars’ Own Academy (G.O.A.) on the Feast Day of St Francis Xavier.
Under the leadership of G.O.A. President, Peter Mendes and his team, the association organised the Eucharistic Celebration and Fellowship Dinner on December 2, bringing together the Catholic community in Karachi.
The event was presided over by Archbishop of Karachi Benny Travas, assisted by Fr Benjamin Shahzad, Parish Priest of St Patrick’s Cathedral, and a group of 12 other priests, including Cardinal Joseph Coutts.
The packed congregation at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Karachi included not only Goans but also Urdu-speaking pilgrims from various parishes who had attended a three-day triduum preceding the Feast Day.
The organisers fostered inclusivity by incorporating Konkani into the liturgy and hymns. The cultural presentation during the consecration, involving Urdu-speaking pilgrims, clad in beautiful costumes, added a uniquely solemn, and colourful touch to the celebration.
A significant aspect of the Eucharistic Celebration was the musical contribution of the G.O.A. Choir, led by Bella Coelho and Aloysius Soares. The choir, assisted by Patricia Mendes (keyboard), Nolasco Moniz (guitar), 12-year-old Russell Fernandes, a talented violinist, and a group of skilled choristers, rendered the hymns in English, Urdu, and Konkani.
The intentions and reading in Konkani were read by Melba Pinto, Margaret Mendes, and Bella Coelho. This multilingual Eucharistic and musical expression reflected the diversity within the Catholic community in Karachi, symbolising the unity in faith that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Following the service, the G.O.A. extended their hospitality by inviting a group of attendees to a dinner. The event was hosted by Joseph Caiero, who engaged the audience with some witty remarks, flavoured with a dash of Konkani.
Peter Mendes, President of the G.O.A., expressed gratitude to the clergy, parishioners, pilgrims, and his committee members for coming together to celebrate the Feast of St Francis Xavier.
My book on the rich history of Karachi Goan community was presented at the event. The culinary delights of the evening added to the overall joy of the celebrations. The menu featured typical Goan dishes such as Sorpotel, Sannas, and Chicken Caldine, delighting the taste buds of the attendees. Soft dinner music and some popular songs of the past and present, both in English and Konkani, filled the air with nostalgia.
G.O.A. President Peter Mendes said the Eucharistic Celebration and Fellowship Dinner organised by the Goenkars’ Own Academy was a resounding success, showcasing the unity and diversity within the Goan Catholic community in Karachi.
The event demonstrated the power of collective efforts and selfless dedication in creating memorable moments of faith, culture, and togetherness. The G.O.A. hosted an event that not only celebrated the Feast of St Francis Xavier but also strengthened the bonds of the community in Karachi.
KARACHI CONNECTION
The celebration of the Feast of St Francis Xavier in Karachi goes back to the late 19th century when Goans who moved to this city for economic sustenance came together to revere the saint. Firstly, the Goa-Portuguese Association (GPA) from 1888 to 1935, and after a name change, the Karachi Goan Association (KGA), from 1936 to this date, celebrates the feast day Holy Mass and Fellowship.
When the Christ the King Monument was completed in 1931 on the grounds of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, it was dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, with the provision of a replica of the sacred body of the saint, preserved in a casket underneath the altar in the 100-seat crypt. It is a majestic prayer place, centrally located at the ground level of the gleaming white-marble structure. It continues to be a magnificent heritage site of the city. Since the re-dedication of the monument after its renovation in 2013, the feast day has been revived, and of late now, it is a festive activity, organized by St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the KGA, and the Goenkars’ Own Academy (G.O.A.).
The celebration of St Francis Xavier's Feast is not merely a passive acknowledgment; it is a vibrant and participatory event. Special services and rituals are organized, allowing the faithful to express their devotion collectively.
Among the most iconic traditions is the singing of 'Sam Francis Xaviera,' a Konkani hymn that resonates with the spirit of the occasion. The melody, sung with fervor, becomes a powerful medium through which Goans connect with their religious heritage and express their deep-seated reverence for St Francis Xavier.
