By John Malvino Alfonso OCD –
Fr. Manuel Gomes, a priest from the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, currently serving as the parish priest at the Our Lady of Amparo Church in Mandur, is celebrating his 70th birthday today, 21st October.
Hailing from Benaulim, Goa, his life’s journey is characterized by unwavering dedication to the religious community in Goa, marked by numerous leadership roles and significant contributions to the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, and in particular to Roman Konkani religious literature. His most remarkable achievement to date is the long-awaited Bible in Roman Script for the Konkani-speaking community. In 2006, he introduced the “Povitr Pustok,” which saw immense demand with an initial print run of 60,000 copies, followed by an additional 40,000 in 2010 and another 60,000 copies in 2018. Many priests and laity translators have contributed to this.
His educational path commenced with the study of the Portuguese language, culminating in the completion of his Primeiro Grau. He continued his academic pursuit at Loyola High School in Margao, where he successfully completed his XIth SSCE. Following this, he joined the Seminary of Our Lady in Saligão. After completing his priestly studies at Rachol Seminary, he was ordained as a priest on April 27, 1980. His passion for knowledge led him to earn a Licentiate in Church History from the Jesuit University “Gregoriana” in Rome, with a focus on “The Missionary Methods of Fr. Joseph Vaz: History and Actuality.” He expanded his academic horizons further by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Theology from the Dominican University in Rome, known as “Angelicum,” with a thesis titled “The relevance of the Ignatian ideal of finding God in all things to the Diocesan Priests.”
He has served as the parish priest at St. Francis Xavier in Borim and held the position of dean of the Ponda Deanery, demonstrating his exceptional leadership qualities. Prior to these roles, he served as the secretary of Secretariats of Fabricas / Cofres Confraternities at the Archbishop’s House in Panjim. His dedication to the religious community extended to his responsibilities as the director of the Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate, a professor at the Pastoral Institute in Old Goa, and the rector of the Seminary of Our Lady in Saligão-Pilerne. In addition, he taught Konkani to students in the seminary and worked as a visiting professor at various institutions, including Rachol Seminary, Pastoral Institute, Old Goa, Gujarat Vidyadeep in Baroda, Mater Dei Institute, and Sangam, Goa.
Fr. Manuel Gomes embarked on writing in Konkani to disseminate religious literature. Today, he is widely acknowledged for his expertise in the Konkani language. As a seminarian, he played a pivotal role in preparing the first issue of ‘Amcho Sevadhorm,’ a quarterly bulletin of homiletics and liturgical review.
His significant contributions to the development of the Konkani lectionary, known as “Vachpam Grónth,” and the Missal (Misa-Gronth), are highly regarded. His literary prowess is evident in his authorship, editing, and translation of 23 books, covering a range of topics from ‘From Roots to Fruits – Vol.I,’, ‘Blessed Joseph Vaz – Creative Missionary Ahead of His Time,’ ‘The Fulfillment—An Introduction to New Testament,’ ‘Raiturchie Siminaricho Itihas,’ ‘Pekovnniechio Liplolio Zhori, Pekovnnie Khatir Magnnem,’ ‘Povitr Atmo, Sfuti Dilolio Jezhuchio Xikvonno, Devachea Utrachi Yatra,’ ‘Deva Utran, Kallza Gottheant,’ ‘Jezu Jivitant,’ ‘Povitr Pustok Koxem Vach’chem,’ ‘Deva Utor ani Amchem Jivit,’ ‘Bhagevont Francis Xavier: Devachea Utracho ani Jezucho Sakxidar, ‘ ‘Bhasavnni, Devachim Vortim Vizmitam,’ ‘Jezuchim Jivim Kirnnam,’ ‘Bhasavnni Pallon Yeta: Novea Korarak Prostavna,’ ‘Konknni Bhagentlem Pormollit Ful: Fr, Freddy, Bhagevontanchim Bhagi Paulam-I,’ ‘Bhagevontanchim Bhagi Paulam-II,’ ‘Bhagevontanchim Bhagi Paulam-II ani Borim Firgojecho Itihas.’
His translation work, particularly for Sister Usha’s books, “Hidden Springs to Healing” and “Prayers for Healing,” has gained widespread popularity among readers. Fr. Manuel Gomes has also contributed erudite historical articles in both English and Konkani, featured in various reviews and magazines.
Throughout his illustrious career, Fr. Manuel Gomes has conducted numerous seminars on the Word of God, imparting spiritual wisdom to audiences across Goa. Despite his remarkable accomplishments, he remains a humble and unassuming individual, deeply committed to his vocation, and can often be found diligently engrossed in reading and writing at his desk.
His authored books encompass a wide array of religious, research, historical, biblical, and spiritual themes, and his translation skills are commendable. He has been recognized with several awards from Konkani-promoting institutions and publications, including Dalgado Konkani Academy, ‘Vauraddeancho Ixtt’ (a Konkani weekly), Thomas Stephen Konkani Kendra, and ‘Gulab’ (a Konkani monthly). It’s worth noting that the government institution, the Department of Art and Culture, has yet to acknowledge his significant contributions to Konkani religious literature. One can only hope that, in the future, the Art and Culture department will duly recognize his invaluable contribution.
(The writer is a member of the Karnataka-Goa Province of the Order of the Discalced Carmelites based at Divine Springs Retreat Centre, Shellim, Loliem-Goa.)