Norbert Fernandez, who was among the first Goans to arrive in Canada in 1953, is featured in a recent book on the history of Karachi Catholics in Canada
Sharon Lobo-Rossi reads to her Uncle Norbert from the book ‘Chronicles of the Canorient’, a history of Karachi Catholics in Canada.
Photo Credits: Derek Pinto
PANAJI
The recently released book Chronicles of the Canorient by Menin Rodrigues, a regular contributor to ‘The Goan’, delves into the history of Goans from Karachi who immigrated to Canada.
The book has sparked significant interest within the Goan diaspora, genuinely exploring their shared heritage.
The book recounts touching stories of early Goan immigrants from Karachi and Bombay (now Mumbai), chronicling their arrival in Canada, their unity to take on challenges, and the communities they built. These pioneers laid the foundation for future generations, shaping a vibrant legacy and a unique history.
Two major organisations (and their respective chapters in other cities) serve Canada's Catholic and Goan communities: the Canorient Christian Association of Metropolitan Toronto (Est 1974) – comprised primarily of Catholics from Karachi – and the Goan Overseas Association of Toronto, which predominantly represents Goans from India and East Africa. Both organisations, stem from the original Indo-Pakistan Christian Association (Est 1965) and have a remarkable 50-year history of achievements.
The 250-page book features an exclusive narrative about Karachi Goan centenarian Norbert Fernandez and his friend Alex Nunes. They were among the first Goans to arrive in Canada, docking at Halifax in April 1953. Norbert’s journey, recounted in his own vivid words, is the centrepiece of this compelling work.
“I extend my gratitude to Norbert’s children, Sandra Fernandez-Achenbach and Ivan Fernandez, for arranging my meeting with the Centenarian and sharing the cherished family booklet in which Norbert documented his extraordinary journey,” said Menin Rodrigues.
Norbert’s reflections offered the author invaluable insights into the lives of early Goan settlers in Canada from Karachi and Bombay, allowing him to gain a profound understanding of their challenges, triumphs, and enduring spirit – elements that greatly shaped and enriched the narrative of his work.
Recently, relatives Derek Pinto and Sharon Lobo-Rossi visited their ‘Uncle Norby’ at his retirement home during Christmas.
“We went to visit Uncle Norby, and the book was certainly part of our conversation,” wrote Derek. Along with exchanging holiday greetings, they reviewed Chronicles of the Canorient.
Sharon read excerpts of Norbert’s story aloud, bringing back cherished memories of his epic voyage to Canada.
The book's opening paragraph of Norbert’s story states, “I left Karachi, Pakistan for Canada on February 14, 1953. This was Valentine’s Day, and there was to be a gala dance at the KGA (our community Club known as the Karachi Goan Association) for about 300-400 members. I would have attended with my fiancé Ida Cardozo (now my wife), but this was not to be. My friend Alex Nunes and I (the first Goans to leave for Canada from Pakistan) had already booked passage on the Ocean Liner MS Batory!”
Following the visit, Derek wrote to the author, expressing how the book had inspired meaningful conversations between them and their extended family and friends in Canada and beyond.
A significant number of Karachi Goans reside in Canada, primarily in Toronto, as well as in cities such as Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton, Halifax, and Vancouver.
This heartfelt exchange of thoughts highlights the book’s impact in connecting generations and preserving the rich history of Karachi Goans in Canada, ensuring their stories continue to inspire. Notably, Chronicles of the Canorient is the first book of its kind to document the history of Goans in Canada.
While this book focuses on Karachi Goans, a bigger number of Goans from India (Mumbai and Goa) and East Africa – including Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda, and other countries – have also made Canada their home.
“It is time for someone to trace their roots and record their history, preserving their legacy for future generations,” said Rodrigues.
Rodrigues has authored five books about Catholics of Karachi which include: (1) Gold to Platinum 1981-2006 of St Lawrence’s Church, Karachi, (2) The Glorious Traditions of St Pat’s – a school boy’s memoir and history of a fabled institution, (3) Goans of Pakistan 1820-2020, Footprints on the Sands of Time, a 200-year history dossier, (4) The Life & Legacy of Joseph Cardinal Cordeiro, Pakistan’s first Cardinal and a ‘Papibile’ candidate for the Papacy in 1978, and (5) Chronicles of the Canorient, history of Karachi Goans in Canada. The writer can be contacted by email (menin100@gmail.com). The book is available on Amazon.
