The Late Fr. Gabriel Dias.
Fr.Gabriel seen addressing a meeting at Kuwait Plaza
It is with regret and sorrow I got the news yesterday of the death of Fr. Gabriel Dias, a Carmelite from Margao. About 2 months back I along with my wife and daughter went to see him at his Margao Monastery but unfortunately he was not in a position to recognize me.
Fr. Gabriel seen during felicitation of Prince Jacob in Kuwait
He was my best friend in Kuwait since he came to Kuwait in early Nineties as one of the priests for Kuwait Church. His tremendous love for Goa and Goan causes brought us together and we together fought many battles against the injustice going on against Goans in Kuwait. He was very bold and daring, could face any mighty person whether Kuwaiti or American or European. His forte lies in his fight for justice for humanity. He helped many Maids especially Goan from the persecution they suffered from some nasty Kuwaitis.
Fr. Gabriel addressing one Meeting in Kuwait City Hotel
We both founded one organization called “KONKANI HERITAGE KUWAIT” to bring greater fusion among all the Konkani people living in Kuwait and also to help the Maids to get them released from the Prison and get them back to India by paying their Air Tickets. In this way we saved so many of our sisters and sent them back to Goa in the arms of their family members. In fact KHK is the combined efforts of all our colleagues and all the like minded people.
Seen seated next to (right) Indian Ambassador
He was a great preacher and his preaching was meaningful, faithful like his sermons very much. He was the architect of starting of Night Vigil in Kuwait. He was very humble and kind hearted priest.
Seen entering Indian Embassy Auditorium for his farewell function
Unfortunately, due to his popularity among all segments of people in Kuwait he acquired lot of jealousy from his own circle in the Church, one of them was his own Maltese Bishop Monsg. Frances Michallef who even complained against him to his Provincial in Mangalore even implicating me for misguiding him.
Seen delivering his farewell speech
Though he was so busy in his work yet he was always accessible to any one at any time. He never got tired in helping the needy.
Seen presenting a memento to Tiatrist Marcus Vaz
Under KHK we organized many functions in Kuwait mainly the Tiatros and Musical Shows by bringing prominent artistes from Goa, these Shows were scripted by the late Rosary Ferns and directed by Fidelis. These were the most beautiful and most successful Shows in Kuwait. Thru these Shows we collected funds for our activities.
Indian Ambassador presenting a farewell gift to Fr.
May his Soul Rest In Peace.
A.Veronica Fernandes.