By Louis Rodrigues –
Belgaum: Known for its unity amid religious, cultural and linguistic diversity, Catholics of Belgundi village on Sunday celebrated its annual feast. Belgundi which lies about 10 kms towards west of Belgaum city has about 100 Catholic families of Goan origin, whose ancestors settled here during the time of Inquisition in Goa, around 1600 AD. The fact that Konkani-speaking Catholics here, have painstakingly and affectionately preserved the Konkani language and culture amid adversities over the centuries is praiseworthy.
Belgundi parish comes under Diocese of Belgaum and has about a century-year old church. – Our Lady of Piety or ‘Piedade Saibinn’ as she is identified locally is the village patroness.
In his homily eminent, Jesuit priest Fr Menino Gonsalves emphasised on the importance of a mother in each one’s life. “Jesus too performed his first miracle on the direction of Mother Mary, hence we too must respect our mother and take special care of our mother,” Fr Menino said.
Parish priest Fr John Fernandes, assisted by Fr Thomas Lobo and villagers had made elaborate arrangements for the feast.
Large number of Catholics from around Belgaum took part in the festal celebration and also participated in the ‘Pursav’ (procession) of the statue Our Lady of Piety around the village and later took part in the ‘ Kompariche Jevonn’ the traditional fellowship meal. Clad in traditional ‘Okmus’ the elders overlooked the arrangements.