Tribute To Wilfred Barreto

Reproduced article that appeared in Xit-Koddi issue of May-June 2017

Be it Christmas or Holy Week, many of us must have attended Services at the Sacred Heart Church (SHC) at the Sacred Heart School grounds in Isa Town. The comfort and the conduct of services is appreciated by parishioners at all times.

However, there is one aspect of the services that has always impressed me by the services, and that is the 'CHOIR' of SHC. It is well-trained, adding beauty and solemnity to the liturgy and also assists and encourages singing by the congregation.

The credit for this superb choir goes to Wilfred Barreto, who has over the years led this choir with enthusiasm and devotion. The music he plays on keyboard is soothing and peaceful. Certainly, music makes our Eucharistic celebration delightful, solemn and festive. Good music can elate us, make us joyful, and inspire us to prayer. These are the special contributions of the SHC choir.

Wilfred from Vasco-da-Gama, Goa, has been leading the SHC Choir from the time he arrived in Bahrain 1997. He was formally installed as the Main Coordinator and Organist of SHC in the year 2002 by Fr. Felicio Diniz, the then Parish Priest.

Wilfred was the founder member of Angelic Voices of Vasco-da-Gama, the choir group that has had the distinction of winning several competitions in Goa.

The memories will never fade away, Wilfred left for his heavenly abode leaving a mark on everyone's heart. May his soul rest in peace.

By Leanne Dsouza

I joined the music ministry at the age of 10. Sang my first mass at the age of 10 with extremely 0% confidence in myself. I remember when I had my piano exams Sir would be more tensed up than me. And I would be so chill. And he'd scold me. "Baba when will you become serious in life" I would always manage to escape from you but you would still find me and scold me for not trying to learn piano and for not believing that I could do much better.

I cannot thank you enough Sir. You not only thought me how to sing but to have confidence and to believe in myself. Thank you for always putting your trust in me. Thank you for always giving me opportunities to glorify the Lord. Thank you for all your shouts.

The only reason why I can hold a mic and sing infront of thousands of people without hesitating is because of your push.

9 a.m. mass will never be the same. But I know Sir that you will be watching over all of us, praying for us and singing along with us.

St.Cecilia will be extremely happy to see you. A music teacher has entered the gates of heaven.

Wilfred Sir Thank you and May your soul rest in peace. You will be missed. 

By Gloria Christabelle D’Souza

I have no words to express my gratitude for those years of training me to sing during the mass . I remember myself, a 10 year old wanting to join the Music Ministry and you gladly accepted me. You scolded me every single time sir, but that was only to help me get my notes right . Seeing you every single day in church , playing for all the masses no matter how early or late the mass would be, all those practices for mass only showed how dedicated and enthusiastic you were to serve in God's vineyard, the young version of King David , playing the harp and singing psalms of praise and thanksgiving to God There has never been anyone like you Sir and no one can equal you !! Whatever I am today in the church , is all the plan of all your constant guidance and encouragement !!

We are like sheep without a shepherd for our Music Ministry . God had a better plan for you sir. He was looking for a dedicated , enthusiastic , energetic and there was no one better than you. He has chosen you to lead the choir in heaven along with the nine celestial choirs of angels before the throne of God.

Now that you have left this world with the sign of faith , we pray that you enjoy the company of angels and saints in heaven. !!

Rest in peace Wilfred Sir !! We will miss you dearly !!

Lianne Falk Rodricks: The Heavenly choir of Angels has gained an accompanist. Rest in Peace Wilfred.