In the preface of the book "Conversational Hindi" by Narayan Prasad Jain (Jaico Publishing House, Mumbai), the first edition being in 1959, with subsequent reprints, the author states among other things: "My acknowledgments are due to the authors of the books I have consulted, and the friends who have helped me to bring out this book, In particular my heartfelt thanks are due to my great friend Rev. H.O. Mascarenhas, M.A., P.H.D., D.D., for his valuable assistance in preparing the last lesson in this book. The late Fr Mascarenhas was an associate of Fr Heras the well known historian of Mumbai after whom the Heras Institute at Xavier's College has been named, and in whose honour the Indian Post Office issued a commemorative stamp many years ago. Over 20 years ago I met a gentleman here in Goa, a Mr Jerry D'Souza, who said that as a student he freely volunteered his services to Fr Mascarenhas who had the belief that Christianity came to Goa in Apostolic times itself. I no longer recall the facts that were stated to back up this theory. In a popular Catholic bookshop like Pauline (St.Paul's) you will not find a single publication of either Fr Heras or Fr Mascarenhas. Nor will one find anything by the late Cardinal Valerian Gracias, a great speaker and writer on Church matters.
