PANAJI
A new book documenting the life, priestly ministry and social mission of Rev Fr Neville Coonghe was released at Ladani House in Sri Lanka during celebrations marking his 50 years of priestly ministry.
Titled Man of Intuition: In the Shadow of Grace – The Story of Fr Neville & the Ladani Mission, the book was authored by Dr Kennedy Joseph D’Silva of Goa, Director of the John Paul II Foundation for Sports, Goa, associated with the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.
The book was released in the presence of three Sri Lankan bishops, around 90 priests, more than 100 Religious Sisters, professionals, government officials and over 1,000 Catholic faithful.
The Eucharistic celebration and book release were attended by the Bishops of Chilaw, Badulla and Ratnapura.
D’Silva said the title reflected Fr Neville’s ability to recognise needs, discern where God was leading him and respond with courage and trust.
The book focuses on the Ladani Mission, which has supported more than 15,000 vulnerable children through over 15 Ladani homes across Sri Lanka. D’Silva said the mission was an expression of Fr Neville’s response to the needs of children, particularly those from broken homes and war-affected areas.
He said writing the book allowed him to explore the motivations behind Fr Neville’s decisions and ministry. His presence also strengthened the Church-to-Church connection between Goa and Sri Lanka.
