Chikkamagaluru Catholics' fight for Konkani Mass gets court nod


Daijiworld Media Network – Chikkamagaluru

Chikkamagaluru, May 16: A two-decade-old dispute over the use of Konkani in Sunday Mass in the Chikkamagaluru Catholic diocese has entered the legal arena, with a local court agreeing to hear the case despite objections from the bishop.

The principal civil judge’s court in Chikkamagaluru dismissed Bishop Anthony Swamy Thomasappa’s plea that the issue falls solely under religious jurisdiction governed by Canon Law. The court ruled instead that the matter involves constitutional rights, particularly the right to worship in one’s mother tongue.

The suit, filed by Sylvestar Saldanha, general secretary of the Catholic Konkani Rakan Sanchalan, argues that over 65% of the faithful in the diocese are Konkani speakers and seek Mass in their native language. The diocese currently conducts liturgical services in Kannada, Karnataka’s official language.

Bishop Thomasappa contended that Canon Law empowers him to determine the language of liturgy in his diocese and that civil courts have no role in internal Church matters. However, the lay group maintains that the Constitution of India protects their right to worship in a language they understand, and Canon Law does not mandate any particular language for liturgy.

The court’s order, issued on May 2 and made public on May 12, supports the laymen’s right to prayer in their own language, citing the importance of comprehension and participation in religious practice.

A diocesan priest supporting the lay group told media that the request is not for liturgical changes but simply for Mass in Konkani where the population justifies it. “People are even willing to accept a separate time slot,” the priest added, calling the demand an administrative issue that should be easily resolved.

The group also pointed out that Konkani Mass is already allowed in the Archdiocese of Bangalore, following the Second Vatican Council’s approval for use of vernacular languages.

The bishop’s legal counsel, advocate V T Thomas, said they are reviewing the court’s decision and will determine their next steps soon.

 

 

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • nitin, Mangalore/ Bangalore

    Sun, May 18 2025

    The Constitution of India and the law of the land is above cannon law. Bring all clergy and religious leaders under the law of the land. They are taking shelter for wrong doings citing cannon law and preaching what they do not practice. We salute the team of lay people who fought for this case. As in every situation we the citizens need to raise our voice and fight for our rights as per the Constitution of India.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joseph Britto, Nakre/ Chickamaglur /Bangalore

    Fri, May 16 2025

    It’s sad that for this small issue which could be easily sorted out locally the Court has to be resorted to ! But one should also note that Chickamaglur Parish has been besieged by the Language issue for atleast two decades . It’s high time that Peace was maintained in this small beautiful Parish ,

    DisAgree Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • David Pais, Mangalore

    Fri, May 16 2025

    I opine that language should never interfere in one's right to worship. The mass should be conducted in several languages in churchs (which ever languages the people speak or in people's own mother tongues). Kindly accomodate the faithful in the churchs. India is a multi lingual society. Hence people speak in several languages and speak in their own mother tongues. Imposing a language upon others is dangerous to a multi lingual society like India. Please remember, God knows all languages of the people in this planet. Speaking or worshipping in mother tongues speaks one's own heart with God. Once upon a time their was Latin mass in the twin districts of D.K., and Udupi, Karnataka. How the Vatican permitted Konkani mass in these districts. So the Clergy of the Church must utilise prudence and seek guidance from the holy Spirit. My opinion is allow Konkani mass in the Churches in Chickamagalore district along with other languages mass seperately.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [62] Reply Report Abuse

  • Tauro john, Mangalore/Malad

    Fri, May 16 2025

    Our God understands all languages and He is the author of all languages. Bishop of chikkamangaluru is to be open minded and understand his peoples plead and be kind enough to allow people to worship in konkani our native language.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [65] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jd, Mlr

    Fri, May 16 2025

    Is it so difficult for a weekly one hour konkani mass? Do we need courts to determine our prayers? If there is no priest in the vicinity who can do the service, it is one thing.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [78] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Chikkamagaluru Catholics' fight for Konkani Mass gets court nod



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