FAREWELL , PADRIN CYPRIANO
In the past few days press tributes, messages on social media you may have heard a lot about this “JEWEL OF A PERSON” humility . silence,being his hall mark,.love for Konkani, cultutre his life passion. What he humbly achieved are publicly appreciated and recognized. I know that words can never fully express our sentiments, but language is still a solace, comfort, hope and inspiration to trouble hearts and disturbed minds. ,When we honour the departed, we set an example of gratitude to be perpetuated in future and thus honour oursellves The loss of my loving Padrin so early in life is personally and intimately painful and shocking creating emotional and physical void. I could hardly bear to see him in the state, his sickness had taken toll on his normal personality. Yet his pain was masked with cheerful, hopeful attitude abiding faith that nothing was amiss Right from my birth till the very end of his life his interest and concerns for me remained sincere and genuine, He believed and openly expressed his understanding, belief and encouraged me both In my success and failures. I fondly recollect how he specially visited my residence with an outstanding scholarly IItian to brief and convince me of worthy attempt and hard work to attain goal I set for myself Padrin was suave, gentle ,patient , deeply spiritual, reasonably persuasive without ever imposing his views, leaving it to me to pursue with determination my own goals, at my own space, The news of my completion of B.E filled him with radiating joy , but conveyed regretfully that he could not use the what sap at the earliest any more to congratulate me He had a moderating influence in my life and always told me all things in life can be achieved with a calm outlook and faith in God and not so much to rely in our own youthful strength, ego and pride . His wisdom, experience and casual suggestions made deep impressions on my psyche. He was a real friend and emphatic listener to whom I could open up without any reservations and trust of absolute confidentiality. I learnt a lot from him about how difficult conflicts can sensitize us to improve and progress . Padrin not once failed to remember or wish me on my birthday and showed specially considerations on village feast too, though I am ashamed that I did not reciprocate in the same way Whenever I was disturbed, excited and irritated and if an when he visited Chinchinim ,I eagerly sought his presence to speak to him , Though at times I ignored his experiences, suggestions, I still had enduring faith in his wisdom, which produced positive outcomes , At one point, when I was not doing as was expected in my studies, losing confidence and eve contemplating quitting ,he advised me against such an unwise step and prayed to give me strength to face the reality with determination and courage and made me to believe in myself with trust in God. His ringing message that only when one is rooted in belief outside self, miracles happen. Failures he mentioned are stepping stones for success. I am eternally indebted to him, as I finally completed my B.E, when he was still there to hear the news . He genuinely expressed more faith in me than I had in myself. He instructed me, as how to look out for openings, prepare for tests, interviews and not to be disappointed with initial rejections During his illness his deep faith made him to accept the will of God for comfort and solace to his tormented minds and still pray for others. He never complained, grumbled or blamed any one and new for sure that end was near. In fact his sufferings made him more humane as he directed concerns towards others and tactfully avoided wallowing in self pity. He seemed to give up the battle for survival after enduring painful cycles of chemotherapy with hope and expectations but with no permanent effects in sight. My Padrin , whom I admired and respected will always remains a role model for me and I shall endear to walk in his footsteps on a beaten track to be proud and worthy of him. In his untimely demise I am orphaned by pillar of strength and a rock of support of dependence, I shall treasure his cherished memories in the depths of my heart and mind,” The greatest tribute to the dead is not grief, but gratitude” “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory that no one can steal” Eng, Francis Bomdin Lopes Sorrowful and grateful Godchild
