Konkani writer’s final rites draw large crowds

Konkani writer’s final rites draw large crowds

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Jul 7: A large number of people attended the final rites of Mr. Victor Rodrigues, the widely acclaimed Konkani novelist, at St. Sebastian parish, Bendur on July 7, Wednesday. The late writer’s well-wishers, editors and publishers of various Konkani magazines from Mysore and Mumbai arrived to witness his final rites.

Fr. Peter Noronha, the parish priest of Bendur, celebrated the Holy Mass, which was concelebrated by a number of diocesan priests. Fr. Alwyn Sequiera of the Carmelite Order said in his homily that Mr. Rodrigues was not only a great writer, but also a crusader for justice. Lauding the late author’s literary abilities, Fr. Sequeira said that the Konkani-speaking Catholic community has lost a “legendary litterateur and novelist,” a gap that will not be filled so easily.

Bishop of Mangalore Diocese Fr. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza offered tributes to Rodrigues. Writer Dr. Edward Nazareth also offered tributes to the late Mr. Rodrigues and consoled the bereaved family.