Binding People Together
Antony D'Silva - President
This Konkani Association was founded in 2003 for all the Konkani Speaking Community. It was a brain child of Rev. Fr. Rego, who visualized this organization and its growth. We are very thank full to him for his efforts and his initiative without which we would not be what we are today. It was his continous effort and ideas which kept our association going for the last 4 years.
I was appointed as a new President on 8th September, 2007 and the responsibility was handed over to me by Rev. Fr. Rego. I will continue to strive for the community and follow the footsteps laid by Rev Fr. Rego.
I would like to welcome all the members in Germany and Netherlands who speak Konkani or have Konkani origin. This organization aims for the unity of this community and to celebrate festivals and important occasions which we miss from our homeland due to our domicile in foreign lands.
Rev. Fr. Rego - Founder of GDKA
It is my great pleasure and honour to tell you how the German- Dutch Konkani Association came to existence. It was my dream, to work for Konkani people, as a Priest and Friend in my own home country. As we say “Man thinks and God directs” this is happened to me as a young priest. I had to leave my home country under the guidance of my superiors, to serve the faithful in Germany . It was ahard decision to take but my desire to serve Konkani people and Konkani language never died down.
I came to Germany in the year 2002 August. In the year 2003, I thought to bring all Konkani speaking people together with the help of UFS sisters and some Konkani speaking families. The first gathering took place in Marienheide, where I exercise my pastoral duties. I received a tremendous support from my German Priests and some lay people in and around to go-ahead with this gathering. In this way, the first gathering of the Konkani speaking people from Germany , Holland and France took place in the year 2003. From that gathering onwards we developed a desire to come together, to know each other and share the beautiful culture that we all come from. Today I am happy, that I have given a direction to the people of my home country to come together, to celebrate life through the Liturgy of the word, Feasts and entertainments in our Culture and traditions.
In the year 2007, I gave this responsibility to the responsible person called Mr, Antony D’silva, from Frankfurt to lead this group further, where we can further cherish and nourish our Culture, language and Traditions. I wish all the best, for the newly formed committee and its members. May the good Lord bless all the good work you do, to make others Happy. Let all of us; join our hands to support and Strengthen this group as the years come by.
With love and Prayers,
Fr, Robert Rego smm.