Recently, on 30th January, our Church successfully organised it’s 2nd edition of the singing competition,”Kantaram Lharam”. On that momentous day, it was a great honour for me to have been felicitated and given accolades and memento. I am truly obliged and humbled for this great honour and recognition of my services by our Parish. Unfortunately I could not express my feelings and gratitude during the course of the programme. Nonetheless, I am greatly honoured and I wish to express my deep gratefulness to our Parish Priest, Fr.Andrew Pereira and his Core-committee for felicitating me for my services rendered to our Parish, specially as the Editor of our Parish Bulletin, ‘PORMOLL’. Although music runs in our family, I was drafted to start singing in the then Chapel by my late brother, Cosme. He was instrumental in requesting our late Choir master, Mestre Paulo Da Costa, to train me to sing ‘Veronica’ song for our Santos Passos, when I was a small boy. I recollect those good old days when this late Choir master, who wanted perfection, insisted on me singing and practising by standing on a round table in his spacious sitting room. Thanks to him I became a regular Choir member and there was no looking back and of course now, the rest is history.
I thank the Almighty, my parents, my siblings and my family for all the achievements in life thus far. God has been very kind and generous and has blessed me with a lot of talents which I have put in use for the glory of God and His mankind. I am also thankful for all the congratulatory messages conveyed in person and through the social media. I sincerely hope I can live up to the future with renewed vigour and commitment and work towards good of one and all.
13th February ’24,was a very sad day for the Aquem Parish, as one of our most illustrious parishioners, Claudio Clovis Da Costa, was called to his heavenly abode. He contributed immensely to our twin projects, namely the Cemetery and the new Church. Come rain or shine, he was diligently and regularly present to be a part of the ongoing construction works. In spite of his advanced age, he did not shy away from his supervisory role but rather did it lovingly with a sense of responsibility. A pious individual that he was, he never missed his daily Mass, even when in bad health. May God grant him a reward for his earthly fruitful journey and embrace him in heaven. May his soul RIP. We also extend our sincere condolences to his bereaved family members.
I take this opportunity to wish each one of you, a very HAPPY EASTER. Christ’s empty grave is enough proof that no matter how bad things may seem, there’s always hope for a new day. May God revive all your dreams and hopes this coming Easter. REJOICE IN EASTER!!!
Until we meet again, be safe and take care.
Felix Dias
Editor