Fr Xavier D’Souza
Photo Credits: The Goan
DOHA, QATAR
Last month, Fr Xavier D’Souza of Capuchin OFM Congregation became the first Goan priest to be appointed as parish priest of Our Lady of Rosary Church, Qatar at an installation ceremony. A moment of joy and happiness for the Konkani-speaking community and in particular the Qatar Goan Community.
The Goan Community has come a long way since the early 1960s when Goans started coming to work in Qatar. The community members have been assisting/volunteering in the church in various areas and now in 2023, they have a son of Goa as the parish priest.
Until 1988 there was no parish priest in Doha with a priest from Bahrain visiting Qatar on Weekends (Thursday/Friday). Fr Lesech - a Polish priest visited Qatar between 1985-88. Until 1983, masses were held in Shell Compound (QatarEnergy), Al Ahli Compound, it was situated at Al Rumaillah, where the Women’s Wellness and Research Centre is located now. From 1983 until 1988, masses were held at Parishioners Homes.
Many Goan / Mangloreans and Keralites offered their homes to hold masses on weekends; to name a few families: Eugine Dias, Sharlotte Fernandes (late), Bruno Campos (late), Herman DeSouza (late), Blossom D’Souza, Shirley Pratap Parulekar (late), Rappai, etc. Many Parishioners offered their homes to hold Catechism Classes. Many Goans volunteered in different areas -- catechism teachers, ushers, lectors, admin, etc.
In 1988, Fr John Van Deerlin (late American priest) was appointed as the first parish priest. He established and transformed the Qatar parish, mainly carrying out the below: Started Masses at the American School (then at Rayyan next to the MES Indian School), started Masses at Al Bidda centre (Opp the British Embassy), opened Parish Centre (Opp Hamad Hospital), appointed Eucharistic Ministers, to name a few Goans: Sharlotte Fernandes (late), Eugine Dias, Nerry Fernandes, Lucy Fernandes, Domnic Fernandes, Walter Dias, Bruno Campos (late), Marie Campos, etc., established contacts with Qatar Government and sought land to build the Church, moved the masses to the new American School at Al Sadd, appointed Deacons, appointed Ushers with Goa’s Nerry Fernandes has been volunteering for more than 30 years.
Anne DeSouza was the first church office secretary (volunteer). Masses were held in Doha, Messaied, Ras Laffan, and Al Khor (now held only in Doha)
In 2000, Fr Lestor Mendonca, a Manglorean priest was appointed as the parish priest. In early 2000, the Parish Centre was moved to Ras Abu Aboud, opposite the Marriott Hotel. Mass was held in the large hall and catechism in classrooms.
In 2001, masses stopped at the American School and in 2004 a foundation stone was laid for the church under the leadership of Fr Mendonca. One major event Qatar Goans will never forget Fr Mendonca for his efforts to bring four Goan clubs/organizations together and merge them and form the Goan Welfare Association (GWA).
The existing church was inaugurated on March 8, 2008. With community members' representation to Bishop Paul Hinder, Fr Gaspar was appointed as the first Goan priest for the Konkani-speaking community. Fr Anand succeeded Fr Gaspar and Fr Nelson succeeded Fr Anand.
The present big religious complex can host five masses simultaneously and the parish has the services of at least a dozen resident priests. Besides being blessed with a Konkani-speaking parish priest from Goa, the Qatar Goan community has been able to make a few contributions to the Catholic vocation.
Sr Terese Pereira, a nun with Missionaries of Charity, Kolkata, is the daughter of Lilian and the late Vincent Pereira (President of Qatar Goans Sports Club) and sister of Trecy (Qatar Airways). Br Robert Fernandes, Lay Brother with the Edmund Ignatius Rice congregation of Lay Brothers, is the principal of St Columba School, Delhi, son of Joe and Matilda Fernandes, brother of Reggy Fernandes (Commercial Bank).
