For Fr. Romeo Monteiro of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, western India, priesthood and music are not separate callings. Both are ways of serving God and people.
As director of the Department of Western Music at Kala Academy Goa, a government-supported institution, Fr. Monteiro sees music as a universal language through which he can communicate Gospel values while helping preserve Goa’s rich musical heritage.
“Music is a universal language. So, through music I can communicate the good values, the Gospel to those I meet,” Fr. Monteiro said. “I thank God for giving me the gift of music, which I try to use, to the best of my ability, to spread goodness around.”
The department traces its roots to 1952, when Maestro Antonio de Figueiredo founded the Academia de Música da Índia Portuguesa. It became part of Kala Academy Goa in 1971 and continues its work under the Government of Goa’s Directorate of Art and Culture.
Fr. Monteiro, who is from Santo Estevam in Goa, is conscious of the legacy entrusted to him. He speaks highly of his predecessors, including Maestro Antonio de Figueiredo and Fr. Lourdino Barreto, recognizing their significant contributions to Western classical music in Goa.
“I feel very small in front of these great maestros,” he said, acknowledging their contribution to Western classical music in Goa.
He recalls a saying attributed to St. Teresa of Kolkata: “I’m just a small pencil, which God is using to write something good and useful.” For Fr. Monteiro, the words capture his own approach to his ministry.
When he was invited to lead the department in 2018, the Goa Symphony Orchestra had been inactive for some time. Reviving it presented challenges, including a shortage of musicians for certain instruments and outdated or damaged equipment.
“I accepted the invitation, for the betterment of Western classical music in Goa, and in obedience to my superiors,” Fr. Monteiro said.
With the support of young musicians and friends, he took up the challenge. “Today we have played world-class symphonic music,” he said.
His ministry extends beyond the Church. Working in a public institution, Fr. Monteiro interacts with people of different faiths and backgrounds.
“In Kala Academy, I work as a normal person, doing my duty,” he said. “I am a brother, friend and mentor to all who learn and work there, irrespective of creed or social status.”
His musical ministry also has a strong liturgical dimension. Fr. Monteiro holds a master’s degree in Sacred Liturgical Music from the Pontifical Atheneum of St. Anselm in Rome, where his thesis examined the use of musical instruments in the liturgy. He serves on the diocesan Commission for Sacred Music and helps oversee liturgical music formation.
For him, music education is also part of human formation.
“One who learns music advances culturally, spiritually and also grows to be a better human being,” he said.
At Kala Academy, he emphasizes systematic training and individual attention. Students study areas including musicology and solfeggio, the latter helping develop musical hearing and rooted in an older Goan musical tradition.
He believes this foundation can prepare students for advanced studies and professional careers.
Looking ahead, Fr. Monteiro remains conscious of the responsibility of continuing a tradition built by generations of Goan musicians.
“History will tell... I am fulfilling my responsibility and putting in my best,” he said.
For Fr. Monteiro, music is ultimately more than an art or profession. It is a gift placed at the service of God, people and Goa’s enduring musical heritage.
