Dear Saligaonetters, I am producing herebelow a posting by Mapusa based Miguel Braganza, Editor,Columnist & HOrticulturist,sent to VascokarsUnited, on the Book release function of Fr. Nascimento Mascarenhas held on 30th Jan 2008, at Porvorim.
Daniel. _______________________________________________________ Dears, Archbishop of Goa & Daman, Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrao, released Fr. Nascimento Mascarenhas book entitled 'Follow Me' this evening at well attended function in the J.M.J. Hospital Hall, Porvorim. The gathering included my former neighbour, Canon Wilson Almeida [from the house that boasted of the Sacred Heart High School which later gave rise to St.Britto HS at Mapusa];Fr. Francisco Caldeira, Editor of the multi-lingual pastoral bulletin 'Renovacao' [or Renewal] and Director of the Pastoral Institute Pius X; Fr. Maverick Fernandes, the Executive Secretary of the Council for Social Justice and Peace [CSJP]; Principal Newman Fernandes of St.Xavier's College; history teacher and activist Prajal Sakhardande of GHAG and Utt Goenkara; Fr. David Filinto OFM Cap. [the Order of the Franciscan Monks, Capuchin, that is an offshoot of the Franciscans that converted Bardez and now run Monte de Guirim H.School]; Dr. Pratap Naik sj, the Director of TSKK-Porvorim; Maria Aurora Couto, English author and Executive Member of GKA; Architect Raya Sankhwalker of GHAG,Bonaventure D'Pietro,Konkani author and Saxaphonist; Writers-Editors-Journalists Frederick Noronha, Joel D'Souza, Pio Esteves, Daniel F. D'souza, Alister Miranda, and numerous other persons. The title of the book is derived from the words of Jesus to his future disciples, Follow me and I will make you fishers of men [Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17] or just simply Follow me [Matthew 16:24;Mark 2:14;Luke 5:27;John 21:22] which received immediate response from the person called. Speaking on the occasion, Rev. Filipe Neri, stated that he expected it to be a small function with priests and a few friends of the author. Little did he realize the extent of friends that Fr.Nascimento has gained over the years of dedicated service in various parishes of Goa and through the publication of three books in the recent past. His friends are a legion and they were present to show their love. Rev. Filipe Neri congratulated Fr.Nascimento on the publication of his fourth book and said it is appropriate for the present.It is time for us to give back to the West the gift of love they once gave to us. he said alluding to the decline in vocations for missionary service in Europe and America and the consequent need for priests from Asia to serve in those continents. He reminded those gathered that the Guest of Honour and Director of Clergy Home, Canon Wilson Almeida from Mapusa, had served for 18 years in a mission at Lahore, Pakistan. Humour popped out of the lips of the Archbishop and the faces of the audience lit up with smiles as he said, Fr. Nascimento can carry on writing and adding feathers to his cap but they should be lighter for him to bear. We do not want to complicate his history of ailments. People who know Rev.Filipe Neri only after he was ordained a Bishop rarely know this side of him. The book contains both old [gifted by Fr. Vicente Pereira] and new black and white photographs of the churches in Bardez [through courtesy of Pantaleo Fernandes] and the front cover design is by Pio Esteves "Follow Me" deals in two chapters, with the arrival of the Franciscans in Bardez, and their evangelisation of entire Bardez Taluka. The second part deals with the parish priests of the parishes of Bardez taluka. Fr. Nascimento J. Mascarenhas, has earlier authored and published three books Proclaimers of God's Kingdom from Goa to Lisboa in 2001, A Paen to Ophthalmologist Dr. Claudio Raimundo da Gama Pinto in 2002 and Mormugao's Rich Heritage in 2005. Earlier, Fr. Francisco Caldeira, Editor of the multi-lingual pastoral bulletin 'Renovacao' [or Renewal] and Director of the Pastoral Institute at Old Goa, introduced the book to the audience. The book is an effort in compiling the work of unsung heroes who have served in the parishes of Bardez from 1543 A.D. to 2007. Fr. Caldeira emphasized that the book documents the role of 1439 priests retrieved from the grave of oblivion and richly deserves applause. He acknowledged that discerning and portraying persons from the past, objectively and in the proper perspective, is no mean task. Fr. Nascimento welcomed and proposed the vote of thanks in impeccable and fluent Konkani. Canon Wilson Almeida spoke briefly on Fr. Nascimento and his book while Daniel F.DSouza was the able compere of the release function. The Sisters and staff of JMJ Hospital had beautifully set up the backdrop for the dais. The 358 pages, illustrated book is priced Rs.325/- and one should see it in the bookstands soon. It has a beautiful cover designed by Pio Esteves. It is a must read for those interested in the history of Christianity in Goa and its current state. Transfers due later this year may only change the location of some of the Parish Priests. Mog asundi Miguel Braganza with inputs from Daniel F. DSouza.
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