Fr.Jose Nascimento Mascarenhas --Researcher, Historian passes away He was born to Felipe Xavier Mascarenhas and Ana Eufregina Lobo at Saligao, Bardez on 8-9-1940, the youngest of 5 brothers and breathed his last on the early morning, 9 a.m , 7 Sunday, 2018 at Holy Spirit Church Margao, . He studied at Saligao at Union and Mater Dei Institute, then at minor seminary and Rachol. He was bed ridden for a month and a diabetic of late. His health in the past was indifferent suffering heart attack and bypass surgery in 2003. He was well cared for and treated with multiple medications. Last met him on 29-12-2017 and never imagined that the end was so near. I observed some loss of memory and lamenting about the misplaced key to his room, where he was shifted for his convenience. He requested for grooming of hair and to wear spectacles for a last photo., He advised me to write 4 lines every day, whatever that meant. I first met him at Sucaldem Chapel and he gave the impression as a sincere, honest, committed follower of Christ devoted towards spiritual strengthening of his flock .Unassuming, practical, voracious reader and eye for details He excelled as singer and composer
He was ordained priest on 26-4-1970 at St Andrews Vasco.He served the parishes of Margao, Vasco, Rachol,Panjim .Gurim, Chinchinim, Veroda, St Estevao . appointed P.P.O.L.Penha de Franca,, Porvorim. He was on the staff at Margao, ( 8 years).Loutolim,Vasco,Moira , Mapusa. He served as spiritual Director for family life movement of Goa Archdiocese The streak and trait in him as a Researcher, writer, historian surfaced much later. He has authored 10 books. He was self financed and by well wishers being under financial strain and not commissioned by any agency/organization. Under Follow me series, he has documented profiles of Diocesan priest of Bardez,(I) 2008, Series II, Ilhas, Salcette / Marmagoa III , 2010 Priests of Salcette and Mormugao were under preparation. It will be in the fitness of things, if his labour of love, dedication is completed and printed posthumously. He has published about priests from Goa in Portugal ,under the title “Proclaimers of God`s Kingdom from Goa to Lisbon” 2001. Authored a pean to Ophthalmologist, Dr. Claudio Gama Pinto.(2002) He authored “Successful people of Salgao all over the world”.”Mormugao rich history”, 2006 and used as a reference book. He also published a book on Fama of Menino Jesus, Colva. He was a frequent contributor to Gulab, Renovacao, Goencho Avaz’. He has documented rich heritage, Goan culture, folklore, and traditions. He was the first to reveal the enchanting marvel of equinox March 21, also Sept. 23 for 3/4 minutes at around 6.15 p.m. at Holy Spirit Church, whereby the Sun`s rays from 3 windows illuminated left and right side altars of Mary Jesus, and emblem of Holy spirit in centre in the Church. It is believed that the Church was designed on astronomical calculations to determine equinox. Ever since Parishioners and others visit to observe and admire this celestial and a rare natural phenomenon He was the recipient of state award for Literature 2013-14 for his work on history , legend and traditions- Saligao Village “Land of Sal trees” . True Value Foundation has honoured him as” Outstanding Goan” for services to the society in history and literature. CM, Digambar Kamat offered plaque,memento and shawl. For the dissemination of his works he has opened a blog”saligaoseranade .com “. . The ecclesiastical authorities are grateful about research of Church history, literary works, documentation of profiles of priests ,an invaluable asset, treasure trove of information ever compiled as records of the Diocese. Tribute of love by Mr Cristonio/Jenicia Cardoz; Sucaldem Chinchinim, Heraldo 8 Jan 2018 1-God saw u getting tired 2-With tearful eyes we watched you And a care was not to be And saw you pass away So he put His arms around you And although we loved you dearly And whispered “Come to Me” We could not make you stay 3- A golden heart stopped beating Hard working hands at rest God broke our hearts to prove us He only takes the best His mortal remains are displayed at H.S Church, Margao for mourners to pay their last respects Eucharistic celebrations will be held at Margao on 9 Jan 2018, then the remains will be shifted to his native place Saligao for Eucharistic celebration at 4 p.m followed by last rites Rich tributes to him are published in Heraldo, TOI, The Goan on 8/01/2018 Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
