GOAN-INSPIRED TRADITION
KARACHI
Archbishop of Karachi Benny Travas led a grand procession inspired by a Goan tradition on November 9, marking the culmination of a year-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of the creation of the Archdiocese of Karachi.
Archbishop Travas, whose family traces its roots to Goa, expressed joy at the high level of participation, as the faithful, now predominantly Urdu-speaking, gathered in large numbers to commemorate the historic occasion with unity and devotion.
“It was a delight to see hundreds of people from all parishes participate in the procession,” remarked Archbishop Benny Travas.
The mile-long procession featured priests, nuns, religious groups, seminarians, and parishioners from the fifteen parishes under the Archdiocese of Karachi.
Meticulously planned, the procession cascaded through two busy streets in Saddar, one of Karachi’s most densely populated neighborhoods. From start to finish, the solemn event was an homage to both the Catholic faith and the vibrant Goan tradition that has historically been central to Karachi's Catholic community.
Today, Karachi’s Catholic community, including both clergy and laypeople, is largely of Urdu-speaking members with roots in Punjab. Under the leadership of Archbishop Travas, young newly ordained priests have revitalised parishes, turning them into active centres of religious and social engagement.
Through its communication wing, Good News Catholic TV, and a strong presence on social media, the diocese connects with Catholics throughout Karachi and former residents across the globe, keeping the community informed and united.
Archbishop Travas, accompanied by priests, carried the Blessed Sacrament in a beautifully adorned canopy, decorated with fresh flowers and placed atop a moving vehicle. This marked the first time in over 50 years that the sacred monstrance was carried through Karachi’s streets. As the solemn procession wound its way through the city, choirs positioned at key points along the route sang devotional hymns, filling the air with a reverent spirit that enveloped the faithful and onlookers alike.
One of the event's main organizers was Fr Mario Rodrigues, a senior priest of the archdiocese and the Principal of St Patrick’s High School in Karachi. The procession began from the grounds of St Patrick’s, a landmark institution in Karachi’s Catholic history.
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Fr Rodrigues commented, “The Catholic Church in Pakistan, and especially here in Karachi, is vibrant and alive. Today, I remember my parents sharing stories of how the predominantly Goan parishioners of Karachi would organise the Christ the King procession on the streets of Karachi.”
The event evoked memories of processions from decades past, when Karachi’s Catholic community, would come together in faith and celebration. Fr Rodrigues noted that organising a large-scale event in today’s Karachi was no small feat.
“It’s quite a challenge to take this up in today’s time where the city is crowded with people and vehicles, but the clergy and the people of the archdiocese were determined to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Karachi in a befitting way,” said Fr Rodrigues.
The day concluded with a heartfelt prayer for continued blessings upon the archdiocese and its community, as Karachi’s faithful look forward to building on this legacy for generations to come.
GOAN INFLUENCE
The Goan community’s influence on Karachi’s Catholic traditions runs deep. Its roots are in the city’s early years when Goan settlers played a vital role in establishing churches, schools, and cultural associations.
The procession on November 9 served as a testament to the enduring faith of Karachi’s Catholics and a tribute to the Goan pioneers who brought their traditions with them to Karachi’s shores.
For those in attendance, the event was not only a celebration of an institutional milestone but a moving reminder of the Goan legacy embedded in the fabric of Karachi’s Catholic identity.
Archbishop Travas's leadership and the community's unity underscored a deep commitment to faith and tradition, illuminating Karachi’s streets with the enduring spirit of Catholic heritage.
Archbishop Travas, the fifth successive archbishop of Goan heritage, took office on February 11, 2021, continuing a legacy of Goan leadership in the Roman Catholic Church in Pakistan. His esteemed predecessors included Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Cardinal Coutts (2012-2021), Archbishop Emeritus Evarist Pinto (2004-2012), the late Archbishop Simeon Pereira (1927-2006), and the late Archbishop Joseph Cardinal Cordeiro (1918-1994). Each of these leaders contributed significantly to Karachi’s Roman Catholic community, fostering a strong sense of identity and resilience over the decades.
(The writer is a Toronto-based communications consultant, Karachi Goan community/city historian and author.)
