First Konkani version of Bible in Roman script released

Panaji, June 5 (UNI) The Konkani version of the Holy Bible in Roman script, translated for the first time to benefit Goans, was released by the Archbishop of Goa Filipe Neri Ferrao at Se Cathedral in Old Goa yesterday.

The 2,300-page book, edited by Fr Manuel Comes, secretary of the Diocesan Commission for Bibilical Apostolate assisted by its member Fr Ave Maria Alphonso, is the culmination of 10-year long efforts by priests and lay persons.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included Archbishop-emeritus Raul Gonsalves, Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes of Gandhinagar (Gujarat) and bishop Gerald Mathias of Shimla-Chandigarh besides several priests and faithfuls.

The Bible, both, the Old and the New Testaments, had already got 60,000 pre-publication print order. It would be put on sale at the diocesan outlets after meeting the initial order.

Interestingly, the first ever Konkani bible in Kannada script was brought out by the Diocese of Mangalore in the year 2000, according to diocesan sources.

UNI BM KU VA HS1014