On 1st of this month I attended the function at Lar dos Estudantes, Panjim to mark the birth centenary of the late Pe. Chico Monteiro which was addressed by the prominent Goans who all highlighted the simplicity and humility of Pe. Chico. During this function a special book has been released titled “PADRE CHICO To The Manner born” which is edited by Oscar de Noronha. All the articles written in this book by different writers including by me are worth reading.
In the context of Pe. Chio’s simplicity and humility, let me quote one incident where Pe. Chico raised to the pedestal the ordinary Grave Digger from Candolim. He was known just as Bengalo in the village but as a fanatic soccer lover he was with great distinction organizing inter-ward foot-ball tournaments in the village by borrowing money from here and there to purchase the trophies while refereeing was done by him only as he was well versed in soccer rules. During those days, even the Portuguese Pakles from Aguada used to admire him and his love for soccer. Though because of his low level profession some villagers used to criticize him but Pe. Chico was always supporting him.
When he died in 1977, also with the push of Pe. Chico, his funeral procession was taken to the Candolim foot-ball ground where his coffin was kept there for some time with due respect to his love for soccer promotion.
Then in the Cemetry, when his coffin was lowered into the grave, Pe. Chico spoke thus;
“Aiz amche modlo ek vhodd munis somplo zo ek vhodd vavr kortalo footballa vorvim mhonnchem to sabar lokancho ekvott kortalo, lokank eka meka sovem laguim haddtalo foot-ball tournament korun. Sado munis to khoro pun chodd vhodd vavr to kortalo amche modem ekvott ghoddun. Oslea munxeanchi amkam aiz chodd goroz”.
Bengalo the grave digger of Candolim got due recognition only because of Pe. Chico who because of his simplicity and humility raised to the pedestal the simple and humble Grave Digger Bengalo.
A.Veronica fernandes,
Candolim, Goa.
Tel:7507394349.