India: Fr. Myron Barreto to Lead Dalgado Konkani Akademi, Linking Priesthood and Language Mission

On 22 February 2026, Fr. Myron Barreto, a priest of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman in southwest India was elected President of the Dalgado Konkani Akademi—a prominent institution dedicated to the promotion of Konkani in the Roman script.

Speaking to Radio Veritas Asia, Fr. Myron described his election not as a new role detached from his priesthood, but as “a natural extension of my priestly and pastoral mission.”

Language as a Vessel of Faith

In Goa, Konkani written in roman script remains the living language of Catholic faith. The Word of God is proclaimed in it, liturgical texts are written and read in it, catechism is taught in it, and children begin reading it from the age of five. Generations of priests and lay faithful have worked tirelessly to ensure its vitality within the Church.

“Language is not merely a means of communication,” Fr Myron said. “It is a vessel of culture, faith, and heritage.”

For him, promoting Konkani written in roman script through the Akademi is part of his pastoral responsibility—nurturing faith while safeguarding a rich linguistic and cultural tradition.

Evangelization in the Language of the Heart

Reflecting on the Church’s mission, Fr Myron emphasized that evangelization becomes meaningful when the Gospel is proclaimed in the language people understand and cherish. In Goa, that language is Konkani.

Scripture, catechetical materials, devotional texts, and sermons in Roman script have shaped generations of Catholics. Strengthening Konkani written in Roman script, he noted, directly strengthens evangelization and faith formation.

Continuing a Priestly Legacy

The founding President of Dalgado Konkani Akademi, the late Fr Freddy J. da Costa, was himself a priest deeply committed to Konkani written in Roman Script. Through the establishment of New Age Printers, he laid a strong foundation for the publication and preservation of religious and literary works in Roman script.

Today, Fr Myron continues that legacy—not only as President of the Akademi but also as Manager of New Age Printers, now managed by the Archdiocese. He considers this not merely a position, but a responsibility inherited in the spirit of service.

“Leadership is not about position, but about service,” he remarked.

Publishing as Ministry

Fr Myron sees Catholic publishing as a ministry of evangelization. By printing Scripture, catechetical books, devotional works, and cultural literature in Konkani in Romanscript, faith becomes more accessible and deeply rooted among the people.

Publishing, he explained, is both evangelization through the written word and preservation of cultural identity.

Shepherd and Cultural Servant

Alongside these responsibilities, Fr Myron serves as Chaplain of St Lawrence Chapel in Goa.  Pastoral care remains his primary commitment—celebrating the Sacraments, guiding the faithful, and nurturing spiritual life.

He does not see conflict between ministry and cultural leadership. Rather, he views them as complementary expressions of one vocation: service to God and society.

Forming the Next Generation

Fr Myron expressed special concern for the younger generation. Konkani  in Roman Script literature, he believes, deepens faith by allowing youth to encounter Christ in their mother tongue. Though Konkani in Roman Script has yet to receive due recognition under the Official Language framework, he stressed that its survival depends on committed promotion and active participation.

He encouraged young Catholics to integrate faith and culture boldly:

“Your language is not separate from your faith. It is the melody through which your faith sings.”

Embracing the Digital Age

Looking ahead, Fr Myron called for collaboration between the Church and the Akademi to digitize texts, create e-books, develop online courses, and responsibly use digital platforms—including emerging technologies—to promote Konkani in Roman Script  and Catholic values.

Modern tools, he noted, must always be guided by ethical principles and the pursuit of truth and goodness.

A Vocation that Writes

Since 2009, Fr Myron has authored at least 25 religious books and 14 literary works, along with numerous articles and editorial contributions. His priesthood shapes his writing, and writing enriches his priesthood. Through the printed word, he extends his pastoral reach far beyond the pulpit.

His election on 22 February 2026 signals continuity with a priestly legacy committed to faith and language. In Fr Myron Barreto, the Church in Goa sees a shepherd who understands that language is prayer, proclamation, memory, and mission—and that preserving Konkani  in Roman Script is, ultimately, a service to Christ and His people.