Nascimento de Souza, one of the earliest students of the School, of the Class of 1944, and currently resident in Goa, gave the Welcome/Introductory address. He attributed the success of the many ex students around the World who have distinguished themselves to the all round training imparted by the School. It was not just the high quality of teaching and the extent of individual attention but also the inculcation of social values (an aspect which appears to be neglected at present) that made the School so special. Also, extra curricular activities and sports were greatly encouraged. He drew attention to the School’s stated Mission, which states: ‘We offer quality education by moulding the child wholistically to proper transformation’

The main celebrant at Holy mass was Rev. Dr. Ayres Fernandes, Executive Secretary, Commission Of Lithurgy, CCBI, an ex student of Class 1967. Fr. Tony Fernandes, con-celebrant, was also a past student. Readers and other helpers included Melba Quiterio, Eileen Ferrao, Theresa Colaco (a grand niece of Dr. Rosendo Ribeiro), Fatima Nunes, Timothy Fernandes, Evans Mascarenhas, Dr. Alex Fernandes and Eddie Rodrigues. The Mother Mary’s Choir Group, led by Rodney D’Souza, performed magnificently.

Fr.Ayres’s homily was most enlightening and appropriate, particularly in these days of degradation in moral and social values. He stressed on the degeneracy of modern living as evidenced by some of the snippets from his Homily:

“The Gospel reminds us that the followers of Jesus are those who do the will of God but the paradox of our times is that:

We have taller buildings but shorter tempers, we have wider roads but narrower viewpoints, we spend more but have less, we buy more but enjoy less, we have bigger houses but smaller families, we have more conveniences but less time, and we have more medicines but less wellness.

We laugh too little, we drive too fast, we get too angry, we read too little, we watch too much TV and we definitely pray too seldom. We have learned to make a living but not a life, and we have fancier houses but broken homes.

The word of God is inviting us to spend more quality time with our family and friends because they are not going to be around forever. And to remember that life is not measured by the breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.”

The Memorial Service ended with a Vote of Thanks by Mervyn D’Souza Ticlo, following which Rev. Fr. Savio Baretto, Rector of the Basilica, enabled a procession for the “Kissing of the Relic”, a very poignant and meaningful manifestation of the alumni’s collective patronage to St. Francis Xavier. Sincere gratitude must be attributed to Rev. Fr. Savio for his kindness in permitting the DRGS Alumni organizers in Goa to once again host its Memorial Mass at the Basilica.

Thereafter, everyone retired to a hall in the Basilica precincts for drinks and snacks and to meet old friends. For many it was an opportunity to make new friends. All agreed that Goa was an ideal location for such reunions as besides being homecoming for many it is a popular holiday destination. Further it is hoped that future reunions in Goa will draw increased numbers from the UK, Canada, Australia, the United States and elsewhere.