Mr Rafique Baghdadi is a long-time resident of Mazagaon and an expert on the culture and heritage of his neighbourhood. He is a veteran film journalist by profession and often visits the kudd with fellow heritage enthusiasts to give them an introduction to the multicultural history of Mazagaon.
The chapel at the Club of St. Anthony is typical of those found in Goan homes, where a chapel is designated for use by family members. The chapel offers a shared space for prayer, reflection, and gathering during festivals. Spaces like these emphasize the importance of Goan identity, religious traditions, and the sense of community that defines the unique character of the clubs.
The fluted Corinthian pillars sport elaborate mouldings of stylized acanthus leaves and floral scrolls on their capitals. Camouflaged within the flora are figures of birds and beasts, some real and some imaginary. For example, the pillar capital in the foreground (on the right) has a hybrid creature with a human head and the body of a bird, similar to the sphinx from Greek mythology.
The Club of St. Anthony has trappings of a space from another era, caught in a time-wrap. A curious anachronistic detail is a bell pull hung from the ceiling of the reception hall. The bell is connected to a wire that can be pulled from outside to alert the manager if a visitor finds the gate locked from inside. There is no electric calling bell.
The word kudd translates to room in the Konkani language, the native language of Goans. The Club of St. Anthony offers eight dormitories, six family rooms, three toilets, three common bathrooms, and a community kitchen. Once catering exclusively to young men, the Kudds have adapted to changing times. Nowadays, they are open to all, including women and families.
The altar is dedicated to St. Anthony, the patron saint of Deussua, after whom the club is named. The Latin phrase praebe filii cor tumm written on the shrine with portraits of Jesus and Mary (on the left) means ‘My Son, give me thy heart.’ The Latin phrase domus mea doums orationis on the central arch means ‘My house is a house of prayer.’ The Latin phrase petite et acepietis on the arch with a portrait of the Madonna and child (on the right) means ‘ask and you shall receive.’ The altar has been illuminated with lights during Christmas.
Over time, the celebrations at the Club of St. Anthony have become muted. During Christmas, the manager, Mr Antonio Baretto, makes arrangements for decorating the club with lights. In 2023, he installed a Christmas tree with the Star of Bethlehem and a miniature representation of the nativity scene (the birth of Jesus in a manger) in the reception hall.
The Club of St. Anthony is located close to Dockyard railway station on the Harbour Line, making it a convenient place to stay for those travelling by train. Kudds are associated with their place of origin, typically a Goan village which provides patronage and members to the club. The Club of St. Anthony was established for visitors from Deussua village, Chinchinim.
Currently, the Club of St. Anthony has over 4,000 members. The glory days of the club are preserved in old photos and trophies displayed in cabinets. Kudds have strong ties with football, the most popular sport in Goa. This photo of the sports club of St. Anthony was taken in a Mumbai studio after they won a football tournament.
The Club of St. Anthony of Deussua is more than 140 years old. It was established in 1880. In 1980, the club celebrated its centenary year under the ownership and management of the Catholic community in Deussua. Some photographs of the centenary event are displayed in the reception hall.