*FR. OSCAR ….., A LASTING, REVERED, FOND MEMORIES ETCHED IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS*
Fr Oscar`s oblation on the day of his priestly ordination “I am happy, dear Jesus, that You have chosen me to be a servant of Your people, Here You have my hands to bless, my feet o go on Your errands, my tongue to spread Your saving message of love, my senses and the powers of my soul always to be used in Your service, my whole life to give Your life to men “ *Fr.Oscar* Joao Patrocino Jose Agnelo Gomes De Melo Furtado was popularly known as Fr. Oscar De Melo Furtado.Born on 27-12-1940 at Pilerne, Bardez ,Goa to late Dr. Alberto &Mrs Elvira *Melo Furtado* .He breathed his last on 25-5-1976 in distant Manila, Philippines. Ordained priest on 30-4-1967 and his vocation was a pleasant but unexpected and shocking surprise to the family. He surely was inspired by uncles late Fr, Jose & Fr. Boaventur. His beloved sister late *Dr.Celia/Thomash Aquino Pereira, brother Eng.Edgar & Mrs. Edith Melo Furtado , sister Savia /late Servolo Barros* are his closely knit family members. O.L.Hope Church in Chinchinim Village was the only Parish he was destined to play a significant role as assistant parish priest among the faithful in Archdiocese of Goa. He took charge on 30-5-1968 to a quiet but traditional, ceremonial ,warm welcome and served faithfully, as a devout priest for 5 years until 1973. In his interactions he left happy , impressionable memories, a fitting tribute of love, revealing qualities of heart ,head, untiring fruitful apostolate both inside and outside the church that endeared him to all .Fr. Oscar was much sought after for his qualities of listening in counseling and guidance ,leadership and organizational skills that motivated him to grow further As a Chaplain at Fatima Chapel at Baida, he demonstrated in short lived exuberant life unfolding of his priestly ministry that is cherished to this day. Fr Oscar gave new orientation to celebrations of Eucharist, Marriages, Baptism, Communion, Catechism, Funeral and other traditional services .He lay emphasis and encouraged girl education, hygiene and literacy. Fr Oscar opened medical dispensary and health care advice through the nuns, assisted by Legion of Mary group. Every household was provided with two coconut saplings to be nurtured in the Chapel property. Caju plantations were also undertaken on a large scale. He patiently succeeded convincingly in bringing back to fold a group of Catholics, who had embraced Hinduism. Children were not baptized and even giving Hindu names . Daringly at midnights he silently observed their pagan rituals. The Hindu names were retained with additional names even naming one as Oscar being the Godfather. His valiant and methodical attempts to transfer Fabrica property to the Chapel remained inconclusive due to resistance of P.P. Thus his energies were devoted with single mindedness towards uplifting neglected, marginalized, weaker section of the population under his Chaplaincy by focusing on motivation of youth involving them in games and other social co operative activities. Fr Prisonio Dias a dynamic P.P realizing his potential of youthfulness, sincerity, spiritual bent appointed him as the Animator and entrusted him with newly formed YCSU on 18-8-1968 to direct and lead the college youth into fruitful pursuits. Mr. Bosco Cotta was the first President, followed by Max Loyola Furtado both of whom worked closely to achieve the goals to impart sense of purpose, initiative drive, develop talents and raise much need financial resources. The youth army was galvanized into a cohesive unit in conducting annual Village Kermes, with homemade Goan delicacies. A Souvenir was released in November 1968 on the occasion of installing the bust of Dr Minguel Loyola Furtado and introducing youth to writing skills .During Chrismas carol singing spread the message of joy in all the wards of Chinchinim. A 3 days well attended, close and residential retreat was organized at Benaulim to cater to their spiritual growth .The proceeds of a Dance with famous band EXPERIENCE in attendance were channelized to provide table tennis for the very first time at Chinchinim .Entertainment of the youth also found a place in his schemes of things , A library & reading room was established in the old post office, vacant premises of the church after due repairs to foster reading habits and ensure a rallying point for youngsters to interact. Elocution and debates were also conducted. He promoted volley ball and football, table tennis tournaments, being himself an ardent sport enthusiast.Fr. nurtured YCSU with enthusiasm and affection, but soon after his departure it fell into disarray, The Church, shortly thereafter was compelled to wind up the institution, as it deviated from the envisaged ,avowed principles and goals. At private celebrations and gatherings alcohol was never served in his presence to respect his reservations and strong sentiments. He was a true fan and admirer of traditional Konkani Tiatr and often accompanied his close colleagues. He was a popular preacher of word of God and enjoyed the experience of touching the faithful for a positive change in strengthening their beliefs Fr Oscar discovered his inner urge, calling and left for Poona and completed his M.A in Psychology with Honours. .He happened to be the last representative of Rachol Seminary Alumni to avail of direct enrolment to University post graduate Degree in 1973-74. His strong inclination and keen interest in Counseling led him to seek admission at La Salle University, Manila Philippines for Ph.D in Psychology, a chosen field of specialty that would stand him in good stead in his future priestly ministry and completed first year of his* thesis.* Philippines at that time was ravaged and assailed by deadly floods. He was totally immersed with volunteers in rescue, rehabilitation and constructing of drains. His passion , commitment ,and emotional involvement, thus finding an opportunity for practical expression .It is believed that extreme exhaustion took a toll of his frail and delicate constitution to sleep for ever with boots on.. a short and purposeful life of 35 years in the footsteps of his mentor. His body was specially embalmed and kept in state in an open casket for a month in the Church with 24 hours vigil with prayers and singing for people to pay their homage. The family desired to bring his remains back to Goa much against the wishes of his parishioners and friends at Philippines. Fr Oscar enjoyed special close and spiritual relation with the mother of first lady Mrs. Imelda Marcos, wife of President Ferdinand Marcos of Philippines, which served as an incentive to his mission and also facilitated transportation of the remains to Goa with all expenses paid for. It was only after 12 years that the remains could be transferred to family mausoleum due to efficacy of embalming process. The Parishioners of Chinchinim paid their last tributes by engaging 4 buses and in many private cars, an indication. of strong bonds of affections that remained intact even years later. Two years after the death the family visited Manila and were taken on conducted and nostalgic, tour to the sites closely associated with Fr Oscar and his memories were not entombed Under the Chairmanship of late Dr Alvaro Loyola Furtado and Mr. Nelson Lopes as the Committee member the Villagers of Chinchinim collected a sum of Rs 3600= from 21 wards of Chinchinim besides Dramapur, Sirlim ,Sarzora , market area, schools and individuals. Appeals were published in NT 3-7-1976, Uzvad 27-6-1976, V, Ixtt 10-7-76 giving wide publicity. The collection was substantial at that time though it may look insignificant with today’s standards. Thus the most prestigious and only award under” People of Chinchinim awards “since 1976 till 1981 was instituted to enshrine his memory. The interest accrued was awarded to the first student from among the High Schools of Chinchinim Village at the SSCE public examination. Fr Oscar was an enthusiastic, committed supporter of the above organizations first initiative in awarding Rs 50= to the first s student from each school of Chinchinim through annual raffle. The family of Fr, Oscar has now enhanced the award by Rs 100K Fr Oscar remains treasured and entombed in the hearts and minds of grateful and indebted parishioners, friends and specially the youth at Chinchinim. "The highest tribute to the dead is not GRIEF but GRATITUDE" Thornton Wilder”. Nelson Lopes Chairman P.C.Trust
