2012 Canada and UK Memorial Masses

It is said in the Good Book that ‘the sun always shines on the righteous’; and so it did on the afternoon of Sunday the 25th March 2012 at the Sacred Heart Church in the region of South London called Battersea. The good and the righteous came from far and wide to pay tribute to the deceased staff and students of that once noble institution, Dr Ribeiro Goan School, Parklands, Nairobi, Kenya.

The Mass was con-celebrated by Fr Tony Fernandes SDB, former student from the class of 1964, and Fr Bennet Araujo ex-Merces, Goa. In his homily Fr Tony reminded us all of the importance or remembering all deceased members of the school, especially during this holy season of Lent. He also commented about how none of us would like to be forgotten when our turn came to pass this earthly life. The solemnity of the occasion was evidenced by the poignant gesture of the laying of token candles at the altar by many attendees, in memory of long-lost and beloved members of the school.

The hastily assembled choir, led by Luban Pereira (guitar) and assisted by Anita Lobo (piano) and Leo Rodrigues (snare drum), sang well-chosen hymns with great gusto and enthusiasm. Their efforts were genuinely appreciated and suitably rewarded with a robust round of applause at the end of the service.

Thereafter the gathering was ushered into the adjoining Parish Centre to partake of a variety of snacks and other refreshments provided by courtesy of numerous kind and generous people. Needless to say, the reception provided one and all the opportunity of meeting with ex-students and friends of yester-year, and of exchanging views and stories of ‘those good old days’ when cares were few and happiness was boundless. Those were indeed happy and nostalgic times spent in the heart of East Africa.

Crucial to the success of any event, social or religious, is the organisation and preparation that goes on behind the scenes; and it would be remiss of me not to make mention and give thanks to the organising team without whose spirit and endeavour the day would not have been as successful as it was. Special mention must be made of Chris Moniz, Gerry Rodrigues and Julian Fernandes ably assisted by team of volunteers, too numerous to mention. Our sincere appreciation and gratitude to them all.

It is pleasing to report that a collection in excess of £400 was made at this service which will be used to defray expenses incurred, as well as to meet the costs of the erection of 3 plaques in the Church grounds in memory of deceased members of our School. Thanks to all for your contributions! Asante Sana Rafiki!!

Comments Received:

UK Memorial Mass: I would just lke to thank you for a very memorable mass celebration you all organized. Fr Rev. Fr. Tony Fernandes, S.D.B. was so wonderful and spoke from the heart. Very rarely do you hear a priest talk about death and life the way he did. Please convey my thanks to him. Would love to hear him again!

Also thanks to all who helped put it together. No mean feat! I am sure it was much appreciated by all.

Both Don and I thank you.

Pam Gonsalves (Moniz) Class of '58 and Primary School teacher 62-64

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Canada Memorial Mass: Unconditional kudos must certainly go to Dr Lucina Pinto who spearheaded the choir's spectacular performance. Clearly she took special trouble to include as many ex-students as possible and for this, we must be truly grateful. Thank you Lucina.

I would like to a make special reference to the Konkani Offertory rendition: Sorvespora, Manum Ghe. I cannot imagine a more heartwarming or touching element to the entire effort.

Raymond De Mello

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LONDON!!! What an absolutely beautiful service. Vivien, great job with the video and thanks to you for sharing this with us. I was so happy to have been able to hear Fr. Tony's heartwarming homily.

You all delivered a truly meaningful tribute to the deceased members of our beloved DRGS. Congratulations to you all in London for doing such a fantastic job. As a second-generation Goan-Schooler and I am so proud that our legend lives on.

Best Regards, Joan DoRosario

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Thank you for sharing this event, and all the photographs.

Sincerely,

Evylyn Pinto-Willis

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Thank you Cancio & Bunny for a superb album. So lovely to see so many familiar faces - my class of 64 photo with everyone looking so fit and well. Great shot of Jacinto & Grace. Overall great pictures. Thank you for sharing. You all did a fantastic Memorial reunion in London. Looking at all your pictures really brought the connect home to us. Much appreciated.

Best Regards

Joan

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May I take the opportunity to thank you for all your work and helping us renew precious friendships.

What a brilliant idea the Masses were and praying together is absolutely great. Also the organisers were fab and Fr Tony an absolute Darling. He was there to greet and welcome everyone.

Best wishes and loves to you and your family.

Lots of love

Alvira.

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