Mr Aranha Coutinho laid to rest The delay and postponement was due to late arrival of his son, The attendance and crowds at the funeral was unprecedented in recent times. Elaborate arrangements were put in place for parking, drinking water and smooth conduct of burial. The Church of O.L.Hope was packed to capacity even before the funeral arrived. Unfortunately many mourners had to stand during the entire ceremony. About 50 colleagues and priests concelebrated the mass, Fr Gabriel preferred and explained not to be the main celebrant, Fr Anand preached the homily and was very emphatic on his deliberations. The parishioners in large numbers were from his postings at Vasco, Chorao, Sanvordem and the milling crowds was a testimony to his dedication, devotion to the faithful. The representatives and teachers of the congregation had come from a distance to comfort in support of their colleague Mr Aranha had his life span from 18-5-1932 to 6-2-2015 almost 82 years of long life ,a gift from God During the last 8 years he was in and out of serious illness with paralytic stroke. He received love and comfort from his family. He served loyally his firm SESA Goa from where he retired He was a simple and unassuming person as I remember from my childhood .Never to complain and seek self sympathy, his first preference was to inquire about well being of others. He was the soul of all litanies at Dandeavado and did not seek special invitation and much sought after for his lead voice. He was actively involved with the affairs of the Holly Cross Chapel and tolled the bells for the dead members with pride. He also continued the tradition and custom of most popular Carnaval Khell mand at Dandeavado for many years His contribution towards the society is memorable that he provided a meeting room and store room free for conducting affairs of the society. A minute silence was observed as a mark of respect for his contribution He did ordinary things and his extraordinary way and was a devout person, naturally proud of having a son and a daughter dedicated to the vineyard of the Lord. His achievement in motivating vocations is a gift to the faithful and the church. He cycled his way to work, loved gardening as a past time to keep himself busy and happy Fr Gabriel reminiscing on his vocation recounted with pain, how at one time he decided to leave his vocation to support his family, When his father retired the children were all schooling, Fr Gabriel received full support and encouragement to continue his vocation and assurance without financial constraints. His other son and daughter are happily married with grand children Mr Aranha in his simplicity carved a niche of endurance in the hearts and minds of those with whom he came in contact simplicity remained hs hall mark to the very end May God grant him eternal rest and comfort the bereaved family Nelson lopes Chinchinim Like · · Share
