THE GOAN NETWORK | TORONTO
The pioneering efforts of the Goan priests and nuns will be remembered as the Archdiocese of Karachi celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, beginning with a Eucharistic Celebration in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Karachi, on May 28.
In his message to the faithful, Archbishop Benny Travas said the theme for the momentous occasion is “reflect, rejoice and renew” (based on Ezekiel 36:26) and various programmes will be held throughout the year, including liturgical, spiritual, catechetical as well as social, to mark the diamond jubilee.
The Archdiocese of Karachi which was part of the Archdiocese of Bombay (Mumbai) before partition, was separated as an independent diocese on May 24, 1948.
Over the past 75 years, the Catholic Archdiocese of Karachi has traversed a remarkable journey, evolving, and flourishing amidst the challenges and triumphs of the times.
This journey has been a testament to the enduring power of faith, as well as the unwavering commitment of the clergy to nurture and build a community of believers.
GOAN PRIESTS, NUNS
The early days of the Catholic Church in Karachi were marked by perseverance and resilience. Missionaries from distant lands arrived in the subcontinent, inspired by a deep sense of purpose to spread the message of Christ, and bring hope to the people.
They faced numerous obstacles, including cultural differences, language barriers, and unfamiliar environments. However, their unwavering dedication and zeal laid the foundation for the growth of the Catholic Church in the region, at that time comprising mostly Goan priests, including Karachi’s first archbishop of Goan origin, late Cardinal Joseph Cordeiro (1918-1993).
After partition, the Archdiocese of Karachi was primarily made up of Goan priests and nuns who were the backbone of the nascent church. It comprised more than 100 priests and the religious. The seniors among them were graduates of the Papal Seminary in Kandy, Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and those ordained later from the Pope Pius Seminary in Quetta, Pakistan.
Fr D'Arcy D'Souza (1913-2009) was among the longest-serving Goan priests of the Archdiocese of Karachi. He was the first Goan priest sent to the Papal Seminary in Kandy in 1936. Fr D'Arcy (as he was known) completed a degree in civil engineering from the University of Bombay before his ordination into the priesthood. He was a science teacher at St Patrick's High School (Karachi), principal of St Bonaventure's High School (Hyderabad) and principal of St Patrick's College (Karachi).
Numerous Goan nuns from the various denominations of the religious served in all parts of the country, particularly in Karachi. The Franciscan Missionaries of Christ King (FMCK) was founded in 1937 in Karachi by a Goan nun, Sr Bridget Sequeira (1905-1987).
One of the most unique and exemplary examples of five members of the same Goan family opting for religious life is that of: Fr Tarcisius Mascarenhas (1911-1971), Fr Luperc Mascarenhas (1919-1977), Sr Milly Mascarenhas (1923-1992), Fr Peter Canisius Mascarenhas (1925-2021) and Sr Bertha Mascarenhas (1929-2002).
The clergy, nuns and laity played an integral role in the growth and development of the archdiocese. Their tireless efforts, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the mission of the church have been instrumental in nurturing a vibrant and thriving community of faith.
It is gratifying and refreshing to see the new crop of young clergy, aptly bilingual, led by Archbishop Travas, build a strong, energetic, and vocal community.
EDUCATION, SOCIAL WORK
Education played a pivotal role in the archdiocese's mission to build a community of faith. Recognising the importance of knowledge and enlightenment, schools and colleges were established to provide quality education to both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. These institutions not only imparted academic knowledge but also instilled strong moral values, fostering a sense of social responsibility among the students.
Another key aspect of the archdiocese's journey was its commitment to social justice and charitable works. Inspired by the teachings of Christ, the church actively engaged in various initiatives aimed at uplifting the marginalised and disadvantaged.
Orphanages, hospitals, homes for seniors, and shelters were established to provide care and support to those in need. The archdiocese became a beacon of hope and compassion in the communities it served, demonstrating the transformative power of faith in action.
Looking ahead, the Catholic community in Karachi is called to build upon the foundation laid by its predecessors. The challenges of the present and the uncertainties of the future require them to remain steadfast in their faith and to adapt to changing times while staying true to their values.
The Archdiocese of Karachi continues to be a beacon of hope, promoting social justice, education, and interfaith harmony, thereby continuing to build a community of believers who embody the transformative power of faith.
(The writer is a Toronto-based communications consultant, Karachi Goan community/city historian and author).
