Historic First: Mangalorean Kiwis Host Inaugural Liturgical Konkani Mass in Auckland
📍Auckland, New Zealand | 🗓 26 September 2025: In a milestone moment for the Konkani-speaking Catholic diaspora in New Zealand, the Mangalorean Kiwis Community of Auckland hosted the first-ever Liturgical Konkani Mass inside a church in the country. The Eucharistic celebration, held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Papatoetoe, brought together 128 faithful from across Auckland, uniting them in prayer, culture, and language.
The Holy Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr Basil Vaz, visiting from Vorkadi Church in the Diocese of Mangalore, India. His presence added a profound spiritual depth to the gathering, and for many attendees, it was the first time they had the opportunity to participate in a Mass celebrated in their native Konkani language on New Zealand soil.
The event was organized under the leadership of Dr Jaison Kiran Dsouza (PT), Gurkār of the Mangalorean Kiwis Community. From the liturgy to the logistics, the celebration reflected deep cultural reverence and meticulous planning. A dedicated Konkani choir, comprising Ms Preethika Dsouza, Ms Dreema Nisha Dsouza, Ms Anita, Ms Sapna Dsouza, Ms Renita, Mr Denzil Lobo, and Ms Presilla, uplifted the spiritual ambiance with harmonious hymns that resonated with tradition and faith.
Notable attendees included members of Auckland’s Annual Monti Fest Organising Committee and renowned Konkani radio host Mr Richard Miranda, presenter of Susegad Danpaar.
After the Eucharistic celebration, Fr Basil Vaz was honoured with a memento as a token of appreciation for his spiritual guidance. Miss Kika, who played a key role in coordinating the liturgy, was also felicitated by Dr Jaison Dsouza for her dedicated efforts.
The community extended special gratitude to event sponsors, including Sure Car Ltd and Chicking Restaurant Taupo, both of whom were recognized during the program. A heartfelt acknowledgment was also given to the Rodriguez and Lewis families, who organized refreshments for all participants. The event’s official media partner, Radio AmchiKONKANI, helped promote and broadcast the event to a wider audience.
The celebration concluded with a serving of tea, creating a warm and familial atmosphere. More than just a religious gathering, the Mass served as a powerful affirmation of Mangalorean identity, cultural unity, and faith in a foreign land.
The organizing committee expressed their heartfelt thanks to all attendees, volunteers, and well-wishers, and shared their hope to conduct similar faith-based events in the future to continue nurturing the Mangalorean Catholic spirit in New Zealand.
