By Tomazinho Cardozo

‘Devachim Vortim Vizmitam’(Dhormdhutancho Itihas) is the translation of the English book ‘Acts of the Apostles’ published by Rev Fr Manuel Gomes, chairman of Povitr Pustokachea Vavrachi Goychi Dhormprantik Somiti (PPVS).

The book is written in the Romi-Konkani script and is totally different from other books published in Konkani so far. The book gives a lot of information about the acts of the Apostles who took upon themselves the task of proclaiming the Word of God.

The original author of the book, “Acts of the Apostles” was Luke, the writer of the third Gospel. Over two thousand years have passed since the ‘Acts of the Apostles’ was written. The purpose of documenting the Acts was to narrate the story of the birth of the Church under the influence of the Holy Spirit. The book also unfolds the humiliation and sacrifices vis-à-vis the power of the Holy Spirit which gave them the grace and courage to spread the word of God all over the world.

Although the book is of religious nature, I consider it to be a very valuable addition to the treasury of Konkani literary because of its characteristics: The production of the book is excellent as it can be compared to any book of high quality. The book is printed in four colours on art paper which makes it very attractive particularly to children and the youth. Even the original English version is printed in black and white. The book narrates the Acts of Apostles in a very effective manner i.e. it is full of beautiful pictures and the interpretation of every picture is done with the corresponding text of the particular act. As it is full of colourful pictures with the written information in brief, this book profusely helps the reader to understand more about the Acts of the Apostles by reading very less. This is the uniqueness of this book.

In this 21stcentury the religious fervour among the people and particularly among the younger generation is on the decline. Spiritualism is almost conquered by materialism. This book will help the reader to understand the sacrifices suffered and miracles performed through the intercession of the Holy Spirit by the Apostles of Christ. The purpose of publishing this book in Konkani is to acquaint readers particularly the youth of Goa, with the spiritual wealth contained in the Acts.

“Devachim Vortim Vizmitam” – this valuable publication containing 212 pages is priced at only Rs110 so that a majority of the people can buy and read it.