One more MS in St Aloysius College Mangalore - Konkani Department Library

Jason Pinto has found one more MS of the KP, in the Konkani Dept. Library of St Aloysius College Mangalore.

[Manuscript.] First page:] Bhavarthiyam Cristavam samantansi Padri Thomas Estevam vdannd ayvxe bhovxe va Paramesvuarachy Krupa bhaqhitaye.

[Cover page, obviously a later addition:] Krista Puran by Fr. Thomas Steevans. Manuscript – 1614 AD. [The same repeated in Kannada script.] 

 

[Later] In laudem avtoris pelo Frei Gaspar de S. Myquel Religiozo do Patriarca sao Francisco

[Next] Pailempuranna pramesvara svamiya va santa mahantachy stuti anni samagra grahantachy sassari ttica. / Avasuaru 1. [In pencil, this addition:] (Copy) up to ??

Whatsapp correspondence with Jason [12 photos sent]:

[23/01/25, 04:53:50] Jason Pinto: This is from the St Aloysius University, Konkani department library. Not able to exactly locate which year this MSS belongs.

[23/01/25, 08:35:48] ivo coelho: wow, what a find!

[23/01/25, 08:36:16] ivo coelho: the cover page says 1614

[23/01/25, 08:38:11] Jason Pinto: Yes.... But what does that mean?

Original 1614 or copy of KP 1614?

[23/01/25, 08:38:52] ivo coelho: does the library have any indications about provenance: who gave it to them, when, etc.?

[23/01/25, 08:39:02] ivo coelho: how many handwriten pp in total?

[23/01/25, 08:39:12] ivo coelho: could you send me a photo of the last pages?

[23/01/25, 08:39:44] ivo coelho: in itself, 1614 is an odd date, becasue the first print ed was 1616.

[23/01/25, 08:41:06] ivo coelho: but the date 1614 appears in the last Avasvaru , which is 59 in some MSS and 58 in others. anyway, it is always v. 119 - 120. most likely the date is taken from there, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary

[23/01/25, 08:41:29] ivo coelho: you can see that different people have copied it - so many different handwritings

[23/01/25, 08:49:45] Jason Pinto: Ok...will get you the last page

[23/01/25, 08:49:52] Jason Pinto: Yup

[23/01/25, 08:52:13] ivo coelho: If possible, could you tell me what the handwritten note says on the “Pailem Puranna” page?

[23/01/25, 08:52:19] ivo coelho: [Next] Pailempuranna pramesvara svamiya va santa mahantachy stuti anni samagra grahantachy sassari ttica. / Avasuaru 1. [In pencil, this addition:] (Copy) up to ??

[23/01/25, 08:52:26] ivo coelho: (Copy) up to ??

[23/01/25, 08:53:19] ivo coelho: But thanks, and congratulations! you have the researcher’s drive and instinct!

[23/01/25, 08:53:30] ivo coelho: keep looking. don’t forget the Basel Mission!

[23/01/25, 08:53:37] ivo coelho: and the Carmelites.

[23/01/25, 08:53:42] ivo coelho: every bit of evidence helpts

Nelson Falcao and recent writings on Thomas Stephens' Khristapurana

 Strangely, Nelson Falcao's Marathi and English translations of the Khristapurana, find no mention in the recent and growing literature on the topic. Perhaps because Falcao chose to publish his two translations "privately" through Kristu Jyoti Publications, and they have not received sufficient critical notice. The Marathi translation did receive book reviews (e.g. in Vidyajyoti and in Divyadaan), but being Marathi, was probably not accessible to most people. The English translation has not, to my knowledge, received enough attention. There are the following mentions of it, but I've not yet found a single real review.

Here is one notice, in Michael Barnes, SJ, Ignatian Spirituality and Interreligious Dialogue: Reading Love's Mystery, Messenger Publications, 2021, p. 274:

Another one: Augustine Kanjamala, The Future of Christian Mission in India: Toward a New Paradigm for the Third Millennium, Pickwick Publications, 2014, p. 12: 

And another: Schouten, Jan Peter. The European Encounter with Hinduism in India. Netherlands: Brill, 2020, p. 56-57:

And this: Francis X. Clooney, "God's Suffering in the Hindu-Christian Gaze," in Catherine Cornille, ed. Atonement and Comparative Theology: The Cross in Dialogue with Other Religions. United States: Fordham University Press, 2021, p. 129.

A MS of Thomas Stephens' Khristapurana in Mangalore

 In the last few weeks, thanks also to the persistence of Jason Pinto, SDB, we have come to the knowledge of a MS of Thomas Stephens' Khristapurana: The Dussarem Puranna, in the possession of the St Aloysius College Library, Mangalore. Very likely this was one of the MSS used by J.L. Saldanha.

Instead, a great disappointment. We thought we had found the "Falnir Coelho" MS, probably one of those used by J.L. Saldanha (the one borrowed from Julian Coelho?), said to be in the possession of Friar Sidney Mascarenhas, OFM, The Friary, Bengalruru. (Sidney's mother was a Coelho). Joseph Velinkar had reported Ms Kranti K. Farias remark in one of her books about "a very well preserved MS" of the KP in the possession of the "Falnir Coelhos" in Mangalore. Instead, it turned out to be a copy of J.L. Saldanha's 1907 edition, The Christian Puranna. 

Ananya Chakravarti, The Empire of Apostles

See the list of KP MSS consulted: the Pilar MS (which she dates at 1609 and calls the earliest extant MS); two copies of the MS at the TSKK; and the "printed edition" (the 3rd, of 1654) held at the Central Library, Panjim. (201n87) Strange that she calls the last "the printed edition", when it is an MS copy of the third edition. The others that she calls MSS are also copies of the printed editions. 

She does not mention Nelson Falcao's Marathi and English translations of the KP at all, though she does mention his book (the one coming from his PhD thesis) in the bibliography. Her decision is to make use of the Saldanha edition - perhaps because it is completely in Roman script? 

Neither does she mention Tadkodkar. 

Her remarks on yema loca and agnicondd are interesting. 

She discusses some "confusion" in the economic affairs handled by Stephens in Salcette.

The material she has accessed for the chapter is interesting. It bears comparison with that accessed by Velinkar.  

Yemaloka, agnikund, yamkond - translations of "hell" in Konkani

In the Khristapurana, "hell" is translated as "yema loca" but also as "agnicondd" or "agni kund" (see Adi Purana ch. 8, verse 58; A. Chakravarti, The Empire of Apostles 210-11)

Yemaloka is straight enough, but agnikund, according to Chakravarti, is bold: hellfire is now identified with the sacred sacrificial fire.

I remember now the word "yemkondd" in our prayers at home. Here is one occurrence in a common enough prayer, rendered here as "yamkond". A combination of yamaloka and agnikund. 

Ie mhojea Jesu (Fatima Prayer)

Ie mhojea Jesu amchi patkam amkam bogsi. Yamkondantlia ujiantlem amkam nivar. Samest atmiank, sargar tuji kakutichi adhi garz asleank sargar von tu pavay.

Cecilia Carvalho, three books on Thomas Stephens, SJ

Cecilia Carvalho. Olivlā lagadalī tulshīchī pāne. Phādar Thomas Stiphans caritra (1549-1619). Vyaktitva āni sāhitya [Biography of Fr. Thomas Stephens]. Maharashtra Rajya Sahitya ani Sanskrti Mandal, Mumbai, 2014. [Draws abundantly on Nelson Falcao's work.]

Cecilia Carvalho. Fr. Thomas Stephans. Makers of Indian Literature. New Delhi, Sahitya Akademi, 2017. 46 pp. [Draws abundantly on Nelson Falcao's work. Seems to be an English version of the Marathi volume of 2014.]

Cecilia Carvalho. Fr Thomas Stephensachi Sanskrutik Bhavponnachi Ruzvonn [Fr Thomas Stephens' Cultural Brotherhood]. Translated into Konkani by Dr Pandurang Phaldesai. Porvorim: Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr, 2024.

MS of the Khristapurana in Mangalore

According to Farias Kranti, cited by Velinkar 178, the "Falnir" Coelho family in Mangalore has a well-preserved MS of the Khristapurana. Jason Pinto inquired with the family, they told him they had given the MS to Friar Sidney Mascarenhas (his mother was a Coelho). Unfortunately, what Sidney has is a copy of J.L. Saldanha's 1907 edition, The Christian Puranna. Disappointment!

See Joseph Velinkar, Fr Thomas Stephens: The First Englishman in India (Margao - Goa: CinnamonTeal, 2021).

New search for MSS of Thomas Stephens' Khristapurana

 We are mounting a new search for MSS of the Khristapurana in Mangalore and Goa. 

In Mangalore, we need to find out what happened to the 5 MSS used by Joseph L. Saldanha in his 1907 edition, The Christian Puranna (see list below). Any information will be most welcome. Part of the information we need is about the families of the people mentioned below. It is possible that the MSS are still in their possession, or at least that they might know what happened to these. For example, if Mr Marian Saldanha is Prof. Mariano Saldanha of Ucassaim, Goa, we know that his holdings were donated to the Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendra, Porvorim. In that case, perhaps one of the two MSS there is the one used by Joseph L. Saldanha. 

1. Messrs. Dunbar Brothers of Parel, Bombay. (See Joseph L. Saldanha, The Christian Puranna, Mangalore 1907). Roman script. 
2. Mr Marian Saldanha (probably Dr Mariano Saldanha of Ucassaim, Goa). (See Joseph L. Saldanha, The Christian Puranna, Mangalore 1907). Roman script. 
3. Mr Julian Coelho. (See Joseph L. Saldanha, The Christian Puranna, Mangalore 1907) Roman script. 
4. Rev. S.B.C. Luis. (See Joseph L. Saldanha, The Christian Puranna, Mangalore 1907) Roman script. 
5. Mr Jerome A. Saldanha, Sub-Judge of Alibagh, Bombay Presidency. Devanagari script. (See Joseph L. Saldanha, The Christian Puranna, Mangalore 1907). 

In Mangalore we have identified the following MSS:

1. The "Falnir Coelho" MS, now in the possession of Sidney Mascarenhas, OFM, at The Friary, Bengaluru.
2. The "Dussarem Puranna" MS, now in the St Aloysius College Library, Mangalore. Used to belong to J.A. Saldanha (handwritten note on the MS). With a 1618 date, curiously.

In Goa, we have identified the following MSS. It is possible that there might be some more, lying with some families. 

1. The Goa Central Library MS, bearing the date 1731 / 1761 (GCL). The KrishnadasShama Goa Central Library, Post Box 22, Patto, Panjim, Goa 403 001, India. E-mail:lib-cent.goa@nic.in. Tel: +91-832-2425730 / 2436327. Website:http://www.goacentrallibrary.gov.in/
2. The Pilar MS (P). Monastery of Pilar, Pilar Hill, NH-17, Velha Goa, Goa 403 108, India.(Contact: Fr Cosme José Costa, SFX). Digitalized in the British Library Endangered Archives Program.
3. The M.C. Saldanha MS at the Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendra (TSKK-1). ThomasStephens Konknni Kendr, B.B. Borkar Road, Alto Porvorim, Bardez, Goa - 403 521,India. E-mail: tskkgoa@gmail.com. Tel: +91-832-2415857 / 2415864. Website:<www.tskk.org>. Digitalized in the British Library Endangered Archives Program.
4. Another MS at the Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendra (TSKK-2). Digitalized in the British Library Endangered Archives Program.
5. The Bhaugun Kamat Vagh MS in the Pissurlencar Collection at the Goa UniversityLibrary (BKV). Goa University Library, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa 403 206,India. Tel: +91-832-6519048. Website: http://library.unigoa.ac.in/
6. A third MS at the Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendra (TSKK-3). Digitalized in the British Library Endangered Archives Program.

Besides these, there are of course the Devanagari script MSS found in London. 

1. The Marsden MS. School of Oriental Studies, London. 

Please feel free to contact me at ivo.coelho@gmail.com (Ivo Coelho).

Thomas Stephens' Khristapurana

 

A photo of the first page of the Marsden MS of Thomas Stephens' Khristapurana (from a photocopy, Pilar Museum, Pilar Goa) (photo credit: Hendry Selvaraj, SDB) Whether the KP was first composed in Roman script and then rendered into Devanagari is still disputed.

One of the pages of the "Pilar MS" of the Khristapurana in Roman script. 

Another page of the "Pilar MS".  The date, however, is wrong in my estimation - we know that the first print edition was in 1616, and that the above is a handwritten copy of one of the print editions... However, this is the only place where I've seen the affirmation that Stephens dictated to 12 Brahmin scribes...

We hope the Pilar Museum will find the funds to restore this MS! It is precious but falling to pieces...

Joseph Velinkar, Fr Thomas Stephens: The First Englishman in India

It's good to finally have a little biography of the great Fr Thomas Stephens, SJ, author of the Khristapurana. Our gratitude to Fr Joseph Velinkar, SJ for this gift. Our congratulations also to Leonard and Queenie Fernandes of CinnamonTeal Publications (Margao, 2021) for a beautifully brought out volume. 

Fr Velinkar has done primary research in the UK, France and Italy, besides of course in the archives in Goa and in Mumbai, and has unearthed precious details about the life of Stephens. (But a great deal of matter seems to have been taken from Clifford J. Pereira, "Thomas Stephens - An English Jesuit in Goa", a paper he cites as found at goa-research-net, and which I found at  https://groups.google.com/g/soc.culture.portuguese/c/NT2hVqbmS4E .)

My suspicion that Stephens had done his novitiate at Sant'Andrea al Quirinale seems to be confirmed - though Velinkar just says "St Andrew" in Rome. There are even the names of some of Stephens fellow novices: "eight fellow Englishmen (of whom seven were former Oxford students), one Irish man, and the future martyr Pietro Berno" (Velinkar 53; the source is G. Schurhammer, New Documents, Thomas Stephens, p. 1)

I had no idea Stephens and Thomas Pound had been so closely associated. Velinkar dedicates a whole chapter to Thomas Pound (chapter 2). Instead, I am delighted to have confirmation that Bushton and Clyffe Pypard are near Swindon of the Anglo-Indian Mangalorean Keralite Goan Christian diaspora (23, 193).

An official painting of Thomas Stephens has been placed in the Mumbai University Convocation Hall on the occasion of the 4th Centenary of Stephens' death. (191) (Stephens died in 1619, so the 4th centenary must have been in 2019)

And this gem: "One of the best preserved manuscripts of the Krista Purana is to be found in the possession of the Falnir Coelho family in Mangalore." (178. The reference: Kranti K. Farias, The Christian Impact in South Kanara, p. 198) (Church History Association of India, 1999)

In his final chapter Velinkar takes pains to mention the Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr, Porvorim and the Father Stephens Academy School, Vasai, but for whatever reason, he fails to mention the two massive volumes of Nelson Falcao which render the Khristapurana in current Marathi and in English, the Konkani translation by Amonkar, the studies by Tadkodkar, the republication of the Arte da Lingoa Canarim by CinnamonTeal Publications, and other such initiatives, which are, to my mind, milestones in the diffusion of the work of Stephens. 

A good editor might have made this precious text even more readable, avoiding, for example, unnecessary repetitions and a certain lack of linearity in the narrative. But perhaps it is a new, circular way of narrating. 

Thomas Stephens and the Khristapurana: new items

The following items on Thomas Stephens and the Khristapurana were kindly signalled to me by Prof. Dr. S.M. Tadkodkar on 27 March 2022:

1). Amonkar, Suresh Gundu., Christ-Puraanna, (based on the version of Christian Puraanna (originally written by Father Thomas Stephens, 1616), which was edited by Joseph L. Saldhana, 1907) into Konkani language and Edited. Published by Directorate of Art and Culture,  Government of Goa, Panaji, Tiswadi, Goa, 2017, pages 1070, price Rs. 1600.00

 

2). Tadkodkar, S. M. "सुरेशबाब आमोणकारान केल्लें ‘ख्रिस्तपुराणा’चें कोंकणीकरण :संशोधनपर अणकाराचो आदर्श" ('Introduction') (पानांक V to XXVI), ख्रिस्तपुराण (पाद्री तोमास इश्तेव्ह,१६१६) : अणकार आनी सम्पादन, सुरेश गुण्डू आमोणकार, कला आनी संस्कृती संचालनालय, गोंय राज्य-शासन, पणजी-गोंय, २०१७, मोल रुपये एक सहस्र सशे, पानां १०७० ; 

 

3). Tadkodkar, S. M., पाद्री तोमास इश्तेव्हंचे मराठी भाषेतील ‘क्रिस्तपुराण’, (पृष्ठांक २९१-३१४), बीजग्रंथ आणि बीजग्रंथकार, (डॉ० मधुकर रामदास जोशी गौरवग्रंथ), सम्पादक : राम आर्वीकर, श्रीमंगेश प्रकाशन, नागपूर, २०१०, पृष्ठे २४०

I have added them at the end of the "Thomas Stephens: updated bibliography" on this blog.

see also:

• Barnes, Michael. "The first English Jesuit in India: The remarkable story of Thomas Stephens SJ." See https://www.thinkingfaith.org/articles/first-english-jesuit-india-remarkable-story-thomas-stephens-sj 

• Chakravarti, Ananya. ‘Christ in the Brahmapuri: Thomas Stephens in Salcete’, in The Empire of Apostles: Religion, Accommodatio, and the Imagination of Empire in Early Modern Brazil and India, Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2018; pp 178-227. 

• Velinkar, J. Thomas Stephens: The First Englishman in India. CinnamonTeal Publishing, 2021. [Biography of Thomas Stephens.] 

• Naik, Pratap. "Fr Thomas Stephens SJ: A Visionary who mastered Konknni and Marathi in Goa. Mangalorean (26 October 2020, at https://www.mangalorean.com/fr-thomas-stephens-sj-a-visionary-who-mastered-konknni-marathi-in-goa/) 

• Fogg, Nicholas. Forgotten Englishman: Thomas Stephens and the Mission to the East. Gracewing Publication, 2021. 

• Falcao, Nelson. Contemporization of Fr. Thomas Stephens Kristapurana. Pratima Prakashan, 2019. 

• Melo, João Vicente. "Stephens: English exile, Jesuit priest, Marathi poet." See https://www.tideproject.uk/2018/11/15/thomas-stephens-english-exile-jesuit-priest-marathi-poet/ 

• Royson, Rachel Annie. Kristapurana: An Introduction. [Perhaps an online piece.] 

• Royson, Rachel Annie. In Search of the Kristapurana: A Journey Through Goa. [Perhaps an online piece.] 

• Schouten, Jan Peter. Chapter 3: A Foreign Culture Baptised: The Jesuits Roberto de Nobili and Thomas Stephens. In: Jan Peter Schouten, The European Encounter with Hinduism in India. Brill, 2020. pp. 40-59. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004420076_005

George van Driem, University of Bern

27.06.2020

Dear Father Coelho,

I saw your blog instalment of 2010 and wondered whether you might still have a PDF file of the following document, which I believe you made available at that time, but the link has been broken in the intervening decade.

Joseph L. Saldanha. 1907. The Christian Puránna of Father Thomas Stephens of the Society of Jesus, A Work of the 17th Century, reproduced from manuscript copies and edited with a Biographical Note, an introduction, an English Synopsis of Contents and Vocabulary (4th edition). Bolar, Mangalore: Simon Alvares, Esq.

I wish you good healthy and safety in these perilous times.

Many thanks in advance,

Prof. Dr. George van Driem
University of Bern
george.vandriem@isw.unibe.ch

27.06.2020
Dear Dr George,

sorry, I saw this just now.
here you are, the pdf of the Saldanha version...
I would be happy to know more about your work and interest in the KP.
wishes,
Ivo


george.vandriem@isw.unibe.ch
27 Jan 2021, 14:41
to me
Dear Father Ivo,

Thank you so much.

As for my own research, all of my publications are downloadable from my university webpage (except for some of the books).

https://www.isw.unibe.ch/ueber_uns/personen/prof_dr_van_driem_george/index_ger.html

Many good wishes from snowy Bern,

George

‘Christha Purana’ and ‘Goenchem Savasarikikan’ released (Navhind)

NT BUZZ

Educationist and writer Suresh Amonkar’s two Konkani books--‘Christha
Purana’ and ‘Goenchem Savasarikikan’ -- were recently released by art and
culture secretary, Daulat Hawaldar along with Goa University
vice-chancellor Varun Sahni, Fr Francis de Britto of Shirlai (Vasai)
Church, writer and environmentalist, director of Art and Culture Department
Prasad Lolayekar and Kiran Budkule, former HoD of English department, Goa
University at Institute Menezes Braganza, Panaji.

Director of Art and Culture, Prasad Lolayekar in his welcome address stated
that these books are a perfect representation of merger of Marathi and
Konkani (Devnagri and Romi script) language. The book Christha Purana was
originally written by Fr Thomas Stephen S J around 400 years ago in Romi
Marathi and it has now been translated in Devnagri Konkani by Amonkar. This
is the seventh edition of Fr Stephen’s Christha Purana as the original was
written in 1616 in Rachol.

Amonkar in his address stated that he is paying homage to Fr Thomas Stephen
who was known as Apostle of Salcete. He added: “But now Goa has forgotten
him [Fr Thomas Stephen] and I don’t know why. He deserves a feast which we
need to celebrate every year.”

While speaking about the history related to Christha Purana he said it was
used for 70 years in churches of Bardez, Tiswadi and Salcete but then it
was withdrawn in 1684. Fr Stephen had learnt the Konkani/ Marathi from
Brahmins of Salcete in order to write the *Christha Purana* in Romi
Marathi. Amonkar informed that at that time Marathi was the written
language and Konkani the spoken language in Goa. The new converts had only
two prayers in Konkani. So, there was lot of vacuum. In the year 1907 the
fourth edition of the Purana was released in Mangalore. Amonkar described
Fr Stephen as the real author who understood the need of the time.

The second book ‘*Goenchem Savasarikikan*’ throws light on the
socio-religious conditions prevailing in Goa during the 16th and 17th
century. While speaking about it he said: “I have looked upon the encounter
between East and West as a process of globalisation. I would like people to
consider the encounter in the context of indirect influence of Renaissance,
Reformation and counter-Reformation, not just conversions.”

Budkule while analysing these books in her address stressed that Amonkar
has imported the mind and creativity of Fr Stephen while writing these
translations.

Hawaladar in his speech spoke at length about the role of translators and
the original writers. He said: “Fr Stephen in *Christha Purana* is telling
story of Christ in a receiving language and in a receiving culture. When we
remember great writers we also remember their translators. Amonkar is
translating from dominant language to vernacular language which takes
techniques from oral traditions. It is to communicate a thought. It is
adding value to his and our lives.”

Varun Sahni in his address stated that due to this book there is a
communication between various ‘*bhashas*’ or languages of the country,
which is very important in today’s times.

Fr Francis de Britto said that this book is an example of inter-religious
dialogue. He focused on the current climate of polarisation and hate and
that’s why we need to celebrate such literary works. He said that Amonkar
is a real Goenkar as he has done this job of translation. He said that
*Christha
Purana* was possible in Goa as this place is a cradle of many religions
like Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. He stated that basic human values
are nurtured here. He also emphasised on the role of mother-tongue and its
promotion.

These books were released on March 22, which also happened to be Amonkar’s
82nd birthday, which was celebrated with the dignitaries and his well
wishers.

http://www.navhindtimes.in/christha-purana-and-goenchem-savasarikikan-released/ 

Glen D'Silva and the Khristapurana in song

The scene was Arambol, one of the frontiers of Goa, 500 years
ago. A family mourns the passing away of its eldest member.
That night a man was summoned. Known by the locals as
'Purankar', he had to sing the verses of a holy text called
the 'Krista Purana' for the entire night.

Such was the scene half a millennium ago, when Goa's natives
embraced Christianity. The influence of Latin culture had not
yet reached Goan shores, and the new converts sang their
hymns to the beats of the dholak, ghumot and other folk
instruments.

          The 'Krista Purana' translates as the 'The
          Christian Puranas', an epic poem on the life of
          Jesus Christ written in a mix of Marathi and
          Konkani by Fr Thomas Stephens, SJ (1549-1619).
          Adopting the literary form of the Hindu Puranas, it
          retells the entire story of mankind, from the
          creation days to the time of Jesus in lyrical verse
          form. The Christian Puranas comprise 11,000 stanzas
          of four verses.

Three years ago, Fr Glen D'Silva, who served on the executive
board of Kala Academy, met its member secretary, Shrikanth
Bhatt, who told him, "Father, someone must revive the Krista
Purana."

Those words stuck in his mind, and he began to look for the
book, learning later that a handwritten copy lies in the
Pilar seminary museum, while a new edition of the book was in
the possession of the Don Bosco educational complex in
Panaji.

D'Silva certainly had illustrious predecessors to follow. Fr
(Dr) Nelson Falcao had translated the works into English,
while Padmashri Suresh Amonkar, educationist, social worker
and writer had worked on the Konkani translation.

Eleven thousand verses dwelling in 49 chapters divided into
the old and new testaments, D'Silva worked steadfastly in his
mission to revive the almost-defunct 500-year-old 'Krista
Purana'.

          "My main aim in reviving the 'Krista Purana' was to
          bring about a cultural integration. It is important
          for us Goans to know our rich musical heritage in
          order to appreciate our own culture and
          traditions," says D'Silva, who, at present, serves
          the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Vaddem-Curdi as
          its parish priest.

Two years ago, in March 2013, D'Silva sang the first 11
verses in a public performance at the XVI Bhakti Sangeet
Samaroh held at the Kala Academy.

D'Silva is also former director of the Pilar Music School and
he was instrumental in starting music schools in Porvorim,
Moira and Margao. His labour of love in revitalizing the
devotional songs materialized in the release of his album 'O
Namo', comprising 11 songs which is symbolic of the 11,000
verses in the 'Krista Purana'.

The album comprises the songs, 'O Namo' (Oh! Hail to thee),
'Tu Parmananda' (You are the absolute bliss, pervading the
universe), 'Tu Sakshat Parmeshvaru' (You are the very God,
Eternal and Infinite), 'Tu ani Tuzaa Ekach Sutu' (You and
your only Son), 'Namo Visvachiye Dipti' (I bow to you, the
light of the universe), 'Namo Spirita' (Hail to you, Oh! Pure
and Holy Spirit), 'Tu Sapta Divya Dannacha Dataru' (You are
the giver of seven divine gifts), 'Jaisa Baap Taisa Putr'
(The Father as well as the Son), 'Teenazanache Ekach Tatva'
(The three are made of one substance); 'Putr to Baapa Pasuni
Vartala' (The Son, of course, came from the Father); 'To
Amchaa Svami' (He is Jesus Christ our Lord).

Of the 11 songs, 'O Namo', 'Namo Spirita', and 'To Amchaa
Swami' are his favourites. "'O Namo' is a rare composition in
Raag Bhupali, 'Namo Spirita' is Raag Hem Kalian. These are
unheard of by today's generation and 'To Amchaa Swami' is in
Raag Shaym Kalyan, which is my favourite raag," he says.

          "The 11 songs comprise the first chapter of the
          Krista Purana with 25 verses. It is difficult to
          measure the hours and time which I have put in. It
          was an inspiration and God's grace that worked. I
          have not done any great research as such, but,
          whatever I learned in Indian music, I applied it in
          the compositions," adds D'Silva.

The music in 'O Namo' features the harmonium, tabla,
electronic tanpura and the violin, which D'Silva has played
himself. "The audio CD is available at music stores. It has
been produced by Brian D'Silva, who is my brother," he says.

          "Fr Thomas Stephens began writing the 'Krista
          Purana' while he served as parish priest of
          Benaulim almost 500 years ago. Having roots in
          Salcete myself, I felt that God provided me a task
          to preserve, propagate and promote the 'Krista
          Purana' through 'O Namo'," says D'Silva, who is a
          native of Carmona.

"When I completed the first chapter comprising 11 songs, I
realized that my efforts were supported by divine grace as
the 'Krista Purana' itself comprises 11,000 verses," says
D'Silva, who doesn't forget to appreciate the support given
by his congregation. "My love, devotion and gratitude will
always remain second to none to the Society of Pilar," he says.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/A-new-life-into-a-purana-text/articleshow/48628678.cms