Amidst the glowing coarseness of the society, civility, gentleness, and soliticiousness are seen as weakness, and these virtues are on the wane. Unfortunately, even the church has not been spared of the disease of coarseness. Maybe it is a disease of the postmodern society where rugged individualism is expressed ruggedly.
Every now and then we come across individuals, increasing fewer and far in between, who epitomize gentility, civility and soliticiousness, and one wants to hold onto them. My friend Olavo Velho Pereira, was a multi-talented individual who shared himself with whomsoever in a most generous manner; he was quintessential "delicado" and for whom "delicadeza" came as natural as breathing. The Portuguese word "delicadeza" is very much part of our Goan idiom. He was a fine human being who did not know not to respect the other. We can remember this gentle departed soul and celebrate his life in ways unimaginable. He was rich in talents, but his wealth was his generosity. People will honor him for being a fine priest with a heart of the servant, as prophet Isaiah would characterize a priest, who simply delighted in serving and by being of service. I want to remember and honor him as a fine human being who traveled the increasingly less traveled road of nobleness. Fr. Olavo Velho Pereira was an example of the best of humanity, and the best of the Catholic Church. He was a self-taught man in almost every aspect of his life. As a prolific and accomplished artist, without any formal training, he has left his imprint in every area of church life. His self-nourished singing talent endeared him to the young and old. Whether it was catechetical assignment, youth-ministry or communication responsibilities, he embraced them with the zeal of a novice, self-teaching all that he needed to know and excelling in everything he did both for the church and for the society. As a gifted speaker, both in substance and presentation, he understood the art of communication. As a point man of the Archdiocese he clearly understood that he was the public face between the church and society, that he was facilitating a social and civil discourse between church and the state, between and among various faith communities. He was friendly, prudent, judicious, diplomatic, scholarly and above all a person of intellectual and personal integrity. He understood that as a spokesperson of the Church of Goa, he was the meeting point between the Church and the secular world; a responsibikity and a burden he was clearly aware of. He leaves a marvelous legacy behind: he showed just how high a human spirit could soar the heights of nobility. Olavo was a noble and virtuous man, who belonged to the aristocracy of humanity. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote very eloquently that captures the spirit of Olavo: "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." And Olavo Velho Pereira succeeded." The words of an anonymous poet would speak for the wishes of Olavo as I say farewell to my friend with whom I will miss having massala dossa at Hotel Kamat near the Panaji Church Sqaure. When I come to the end of the road, and the sun has set me free, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room. Why cry for a soul set free. Miss me a little, but not too long, And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared Miss me but let me go. For this is a journey that we all must take, and each must go alone. It is all part of the Master's plan, a step on the road to home, When you are lonely and sick of heart Go to the friends we know And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me, but let me go The above appeared in the Herald dated December 27, 2004 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Goanet - http://www.goanet.org - Goa's premier mailing list is 10 years old
