Goa Memorial Mass Writeup

Alumni Memorial Mass, GOA Chapter

January 26, 2013

by Joan DoRosario

Bom Jesus Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Old Goa, was the scene of the first Alumni Memorial Mass to be held in Goa, rounding of a triad of International Memorial Masses, the first two of which were held in Canada and the UK. Bom Jesus Basilica is an historical monument which houses the mortal remains of Goa’s patron, St. Francis Xavier, and draws hundreds of sightseers and worshipers from around the globe. The Basilica is open daily to tourists who traipse through this sacred venue snapping pictures and marveling at the architecture and paying homage at the site of the gold-encrusted resting place of St. Francis Xavier. Today however, to ensure that the dignity of our Mass be preserved, Fr. Savio Baretto, Rector of the Basilica closed the Church to the public for the duration of the Mass. Only the niche altar area where the casket of St. Francis lay was opened to the public for veneration.

A large 2’ x 4’ banner heralding the event complete with the DRGS Nil Desperandum logo was draped along the metal stanchion which barricaded the public from entering the sanctuary. The altar was enhanced by beautiful floral arrangements. As the 150+ alumni attendees entered the Church they were handed beautiful booklets, designed and presented by Dr. Augustus Pereira, ex-student class of ’61. The congregation was vocal in its appreciation of this Alumni event being held in such historical surroundings.

The Service commenced with the lighting of candles by alumni for their deceased classmates, friends or relatives. Accomplished Choir Master, Dr. Augustus Pereira conducted the choir consisting of Ana Lobo, also on keyboard, Audrey Pereira and Fatima Nunes, with the entrance hymn – How Great Thou Art. As the procession of worshipers offering candles proceeded from the back of the church to the altar, Breda Caldeira, Bernadette Godhino, Judy Rebello and Vera Colaco lit the candles and placed them in a beautiful cross formation on the steps leading to the main altar. Bringing up the rear of the procession was The Most Rev. Dr. Ayres Fernandes, graduating class of 67, Executive Secretary of the Commission of the Conference of Catholic Bishops or India (CCBI), who was the Celebrant of the Mass, with Altar server, ex-student George B. D’Souza.

The rite of the Mass commenced after the introduction and welcome address by Joan DoRosario. The 1st Reading was delivered by Melba Quiterio, followed by the Responsorial Psalm sung by the Choir. The 2nd Reading was delivered by Joan DoRosario for Dr. Alan Rodrigues in absentia. The Gospel Acclamation was sung and was followed by the Gospel and a very moving homily by Fr. Ayres. The bidding prayers were delivered by Brenda DeSouza, Fatima Nunes, Merwyn Ticlo Souza, Timothy Fernandes and Helen Fernandez. Pam Gonsalves read the Offertory Prayers while the gifts were presented by Thomas Pereira, Tony Fernandes, Evans Mascarenhas and Monica Lopes. The Choir did justice to the Offertory Hymn – Take This Bread and the Communion Hymn - Amazing Grace. A rendition of Schubert’s Ave Maria was sung in solo by Dr. Augustus Pereira, a performance that held the congregation enthralled. It is of note that the readings and prayers were selected by Rev. Fr. Ayres and the format of the Mass was formatted by his spiritual guidance. Fr. Ayres then gave his final blessing and the Choir once again sang the Recessional Hymn in Konkani – Sant Fransis Xaviera – paying homage to St. Francis Xavier. To accommodate us still further, Rev. Fr. Savio Baretto, Rector of the Basilica, carried a relic, which is hardly ever done, to the front of the altar where attendees were invited to pay homage. A procession formed to venerate the relic making the celebration of this Memorial Mass a moving and memorable event. For his benevelance and extreme hospitality and consideration, we have made a sizeable donation to the Basilica.

After Mass, attending ex-students were invited to an upstairs area for a reception where they were served with snacks and refreshments. As always happens at a DRGS reunion, many were reunited with old friends and old acquaintances catching up and reminiscing on old times. A lively and warm meet-and-greet ensued.

Most attendees were thrilled to meet Dr. Olaf Ribeiro, grandson of a founder icon Dr. Rosendo Ayres Ribeiro and his wife Nancy visiting from the United States. Also in attendance were Dr. Ribeiro’s grandnieces, Mrs. Silvia Ribeiro e Sa and Dr. Suzette Menezes. Also present was Dr. Ribeiro’s great-grandniece, Teresa Colaco.

It must be noted that the organization and execution of this Mass was only made possible by the generosity of the many donors who came forward from all parts of the world, a generosity that is specific to the DRGS spirit of giving. I also take this opportunity to offer a huge vote of thanks, appreciation and heartfelt congratulations to Melba Quiterio on an exceptional job. Melba’s love of her Alma Mater and her relentless tenacity to leave no stone unturned to produce an event of note, culminated in the unequivocal success of this Alumni Memorial Mass. Not only did Melba assume this Herculean task willingly and without complaint, she performed it brilliantly. Kudos to Melba Quiterio, Chief Organizer of this Alumni Memorial Mass, Goa Chapter.