USE OF KONKANNI IN LITURGICAL SERVICES WILL CONTINUE, RT. REV. DR. A.P. D'SOUZA

Celebrated his diamond Jubilee on 21st June 2001
 
Following are excerpts from the interview the Rt. Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Bishop of Mangalore, gave to Daiji Dubai member CGS Takkode.

Q. In recent times there has been an increase in the number of divorces in the Konkani Catholic community and the Catholic world at large.  You were at one time the chancellor of the Mangalore diocese and also an adjudicator for divorce cases.   What in your opinion are the underlying reasons that have aggravated this problem?
A. Reasons are many, but mainly the lack of adequate and appropriate knowledge of the meaning of the sacrament of matrimony.  Marriage is a bond of love, self-sacrificing and ablative love.  If selfishness takes the upper hand, then the marriage does not last.  For the marriage to last, there should be mutual understanding and the virtue of give and take.  In marriage the couple give each other a promise of eternal commitment, which is fortified by divine grace.  Marriage remains strong when there is mutual trust and commitment to each other.

Q. In the past there was an all out effort to use Konkani in our liturgical services.  But now days especially in town parishes we see services being held in English and catechism classes imparted in English.  Don't you think this will harm the cause and future of our mother tongue?
A. I do not think so.  We will continue to use Konkani in all our liturgical services.  But for the benefit of children studying in the English medium, catechism classes and a mass is held in English.  But during all my pastoral visits I have been exhorting our people to speak Konkani and support our mother tongue.

Q. In recent days many Catholic families have deserted the Catholic faith and have walked over to other Christian groups or denominations.  What could be the reason and what is the solution?
A. One of the reasons could be lack of communication between the pastor and the flock.  To remedy this situation we have started the small Christian community in 125 of our parishes.  This has brought about greater interaction and unity among people and families.

Q. It is said that in the diocese of Mangalore there is a competition to build edifices. Can't this money be used for better causes such as houses and education for the poor?
A. We need both - buildings as well as support for the poor.  Halls are used not only for nuptial celebrations, but also for parish cultural activities and for conducting catechism classes.  The parish councils and finance committees deliberate on the need of such halls and then the diocesan building committee does the survey.  All this and the financial ability of the parish are taken into account before giving permission to go ahead.

We did have a project to build houses for the poor and already 200 houses have been built, tiled roofs have been provided where there were thatched roofs before.  Every parish has started a fund for helping poor students.  Moreover the CODP helps deserving students to go for higher education.  As a result many have obtained engineering and medical degrees.  Many have supported this cause by donations.

Q. The catholic community especially religious orders have been forward in the field of education.  In spite of this, why have we not been able to come up with an engineering college?
A. We did not have a medical college and now we have one.  We thought we needed one.  If our community needs an engineering college, then we have to take steps in that direction.  As the pastor of this diocese, it is my endeavor to understand the needs of my flock and take