HISTORY

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE KONKANI CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL – MUMBAI

Year	Developments
1976-1980	EARLY BEGINNINGS The first Konkani Prayer Group was formed at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church – Chembur, under the leadership of Fr. Francis Pinto (C.SS.R) and his team, together with some lay leaders. Fr. Elias Pereira (SJ) formed a Konkani Prayer Group at St. Anne’s Church – Mazagaon. At the same time a number of Prayer Groups sprang up in various other Parishes.
1983	25 Years which the Lord gave the KSC The Konkani Service Council (KSC) comprising of 8 Prayer Groups, was formed under the leadership of Fr. Francis Pinto (C.SS.R). The first Edition of Sorvesporak Vakhann’nni Hymn book was published with a total of 100 hymns. The first All Bombay Konkani Charismatic Prayer Groups Rally was held at Our Lady of Salvation School Undercroft – Dadar (W), where a Konkani Prayer Group was already in existence, since 1978, under the guidance of late Msgr. Jonathan Dias.
1985	The KSC submitted itself to the guidance of the Bombay Service Team, the guiding body of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the Archdiocese of Bombay. The Supervision and Guidance of the Bombay Service Team led to the healthy and balanced growth of the Konkani Renewal in this Archdiocese. The First Konkani Retreat preached by Fr. Francis Pinto (C.SS.R), was held at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church – Chembur.
1986	Fr. Elias Pereira (SJ) took charge of 5 Parish based Prayer Groups, worked for their formation, and gave the Konkani Charismatic Renewal its 5 pillars to this day. He also guided the formation of Cell Groups in these parishes.
1988	Under the guidance of Fr. Elias Pereira, Youth from all over Bombay began to gather at Vinayalaya – Andheri(E), bringing about the formation of the Youth Cell Groups, and the involvement of the Youths in the Konkani Renewal to this day.
1992	Mr. Benedict Sequeira was asked to serve as a Full time worker, to Co-ordinate the Konkani Prayer Groups, and to animate its various Programmes. From then on a concerted effort was made to bring the Konkani Prayer Groups within the Guidelines of the National Service Team, this led to the formation of the Core teams in each Prayer Group, with periodical elections. All Bombay Rallies, Outreach program in various parishes, Bi-monthly intercessions, Quarterly meetings of the Core Teams of Each Prayer Group, Annual live- in seminar for leaders and those using other Charisms, were part of the regular formation programs since this time. Moreover Problem Resolution and dialogue with leaders has been an important role which the KSC has played from time to time.
1993	At the suggestion of Fr. Micheal Martryes, Fr. Savio Gama was invited from Goa to give Initiation Retreats in Bombay. During a period of 3 years, whilst giving these Retreats, he also preached a Youth Retreat and a Growth Retreat.
1994	The Second Edition of the Sorvesporak Vakhann’nni Hymn Book was published with a total of 290 hymns, many of which were composed by Mrs. Pauline Coutinho.
1996	A team of lay leaders began giving Residential Retreats with the constant support of the Diocesan Priests, which continues to this day. We thank all the Diocesan Priests & Religious who help us in our various Programmes. The Diocesan priests currently supporting the Retreats are: Fr. Xavier D’souza, Fr. Salvador Rodrigues SFX, Fr. Peter Rappos SFX, Fr. Joe Rodrigues SFX, Fr. Francis Denise SFX, Fr. Elias D’souza, Fr. Nelson Saldhana (Borivili), Fr. Xavier Rodrigues, Fr. Byrone Mendonca, Fr. Nelson Saldhana (Cumballa Hill), Fr. Vincent Barboza, Fr. Salvador Serrao SVD, Fr. Prakash Gokhale, Fr. Vernon D’souza, Fr. Antonio Fernandes, Fr. Tony D’souza, Fr. Cyril D’souza (Bandra), Fr. Cajetan Pinto, Fr. Francis Mendes, Fr. Henry D’souza SVD, Fr. Abraham D’souza SVD, Fr. Aloysius D’souza SVD, Fr. Edwin Azvedo, Fr. Tony D’souza, Fr. Donath D’souza, Fr. Carlos Dias, Fr. Richard Lasrado, Fr. Ubaldo Baretto,Fr. John Baretto, Fr. Leo De Monte, Fr. Erasto Fernandes S.S.S., Fr. Jerry D’souza SJ
1997	Mrs. Juliana Fernandes was taken up by the KSC as a Part time Worker, to co-ordinate the increasing activities of the KSC. Today she is the main contact person of the KSC for priests and lay people.
2000	Annual Growth Retreats were conducted on various themes, the most significant among which was the Retreat on the Sacraments.
2004	With the purpose of forming future leaders, an All Mumbai Youth Group was formed, which continues to meet to this day. Monthly Bible Teachings in Konkani, for those interested in the Diocese, were begun by Mr. Inacine Fernandes from the Bible College of the CCR.
2007	Teachings on Marriage were given to various Prayer Groups, by Mr. Mario D’cruz, member of a Family Cell, as part of an initiative to begin Programs for Married Couples and those intending to get married.
2008	The Konkani Service Council (KSC) as an instrument of Parish Renewal has brought about the involvement of its members in various Parish Associations and Activities, such as the Legion of Mary, Sodality, as members of the Family Cell, Eucharist Ministers, Ministers of the Word, Lectors, Choir members, SCC animators and Parish Councilors. The KSC now comprises of members of 33 Prayer Groups
2008	The present Chairperson of the KSC, who represents it on the Bombay Service Team is Mr. Elias D’souza, from Holy Trinity Church – Powai. The Former Chairpersons of the KSC have been : Mr. Ronald Lobo – Our Lady of Lourdes Church – Orlem, Mrs. Leena D’souza – St. Anthony Church – Vakola & Mr. Inacine Fernandes - Chakala
2008	These 25 years will culminate at a Convention spread over 4 days. This Convention will dwell on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It will be preached by Diocesan priests. And through skits it will also bring out the significance of service in the Parish Community and Society at large.