Goanet Digest, Vol 21, Issue 82

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Today's Topics:

   1. The best tribute to the dead is gratitude not grief (Nelson Lopes)
   2. Fr Bruno Leitao leaves behind movable and enduring memorire
      (Nelson Lopes)


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Message: 1
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 22:07:12 +0530
From: Nelson Lopes <[email protected]>
To: "Goa's premiere mailing list, estb. 1994!"
	<[email protected]>
Subject: [Goanet] The best tribute to the dead is gratitude not grief
Message-ID:
	<CACCOymKi_q4dAoF=tZiqfu6J9SzTvo+88SkMY4Ewfb-TEzGFdw-JsoAwUIsXosN+BqQ9rBEUg@public.gmane.org>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

The Best Tribute to the Dead Is Gratitude, Not Grief

Death is an earthquake that shakes the very foundation of our love. It is
never expected, yet it is an inevitable reality. It is akin to the eruption
of a volcano that releases a torrent of emotions and sentiments, revealing
our unimaginable sense of loss and the severing of physical and mental
bonds. At best, we console ourselves with the belief that the one we love
is in heaven. We cling to cherished memories as balm to soothe our pain and
aching hearts.

Memories alone remain permanent; they cannot be wished away. Heartaches
take long to heal, yet no force can steal the love we have known. The real
and unimaginable loss occurs only when we forget them while we are still
alive. Love and affection are not meant to be limited by age or by death.
Let us cling to eternal love rather than to death itself.

We often believe that death is the opposite of life. Yet observe the
profusion of tributes, the mountains of flowers, and the countless visits
when a loved one passes away. It sometimes appears that the dead are easier
to love than the living.

Grieving and mourning are spontaneous expressions of loss. They are part of
life, socially accepted, and not demonstrations of hypocrisy. The depth and
duration of grief reflect the depth of love and relationship shared. Faith
empowers us to cope with death. We carry both grief and love for as long as
we live. When grief is transformed into reflection and meaning, it loses
its sting and no longer injures the psyche.

The sudden departure of a loved one?be it husband, wife, son, daughter,
grandchild, close relative, or affectionate friend?shatters the mind like
glass into smithereens. Tears may flow like mountains, offering temporary
relief, but in moments of silence despair can feel boundless. Immediately,
attention shifts to organizing a grand funeral, observing religious rites,
and fulfilling social obligations. Relatives and friends travel miles to be
present. Yet a greater purpose would be served if such gestures of love
were shown while the person was alive.

Among Catholics, to comfort the living and commend the departed to God,
prayer services are held at the residence for a week. The traditional black
attire worn for a year as a sign of mourning is gradually fading. The
emphasis today is often on the first three years. Masses are offered on the
seventh day, the month?s mind, the first and second anniversaries, and
culminate in the third-year Eucharistic celebration. Thereafter, the
intensity of observances declines, and the formal religious chapter
gradually closes.

Funeral orations, condolence messages, and obituaries often extol the
departed to the highest degree; nothing adverse is mentioned. Personalities
and character are sometimes exaggerated beyond the bounds of simplicity and
decorum. Some families publish memorial notices year after year in the hope
of remembrance. Burial niches too can become expensive tributes that
sometimes fuel pride. Faith does not recommend the worship of remains;
occasional ceremonial visits by close relatives suffice. Photographs and
albums serve as gentle reminders of those who have gone before us.

A more meaningful tribute is to help others in memory of our loved
ones?especially the needy and deserving. Some choose remarriage to ease the
fangs of grief; others immerse themselves fully in social service.
Perpetual brooding over loss until one?s own grave is not a sign of
profound love, but often a misdirection of it.

The dead are immune to our sentiments, guilt, self-persecution, or
emotional displays. They are not affected by our outward acts; such
gestures serve primarily to relieve our own hearts and fulfill our sense of
gratitude. What truly matters is how we live out their memory.

To keep our departed loved ones alive in daily consciousness is a noble
path: praying the Rosary, participating in and offering Eucharistic
celebrations, saying personal night prayers rather than relying only on
hired intentions, celebrating family birthdays, wedding anniversaries,
special occasions dear to them, and marking death anniversaries together as
a family. We can continue the causes they cherished and the acts of
kindness they valued. A photograph placed lovingly can rekindle joyful
memories rather than sorrow.

When our loved ones remain part of our active daily consciousness, the dead
live within us and are never forgotten.

Nelson Lopes
Chinchinim

Nelson Lopes
Chinchinim
https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com


------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 22:29:33 +0530
From: Nelson Lopes <[email protected]>
To: "Goa's premiere mailing list, estb. 1994!"
	<[email protected]>
Subject: [Goanet] Fr Bruno Leitao leaves behind movable and enduring
	memorire
Message-ID:
	<CACCOymJeBuA8bLr+bATkMEXQieoPC2Epg1nWzHHQsspFd3ZGSw-JsoAwUIsXosN+BqQ9rBEUg@public.gmane.org>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

???Fr. Bruno Leitao leaves behind memorable and enduring memories.


Mrs. Dolly approached P.C. Trust to institute an award in his memory. As a
practice, the Trust prints a brief r?sum? on the reverse of each citation
to acquaint recipients with the life and contributions of .Fr Bruno .

   When I completed Fr. Bruno?s brief biography,  I felt compelled to lend
my weight to promote the cause.Our authorities have profusely appreciated
Trust efforts  to perpetuate many of our past priests It  was agreed  that
the award be instituted in the name of the Villagers of Chinchinim,
considering his deep roots and wide appeal and close contacts with youth.

Fr. Bruno had an interesting and inspiring background. His productive
spiritual and social life is truly praiseworthy and deserves to be emulated
. Though his life span as a priest was tragically short?barely ten years
before he succumbed to the Covid pandemic?his impact was profound and
lasting.

He was much sought after for Eucharistic celebrations, funeral services,
baptisms, and various other celebratory functions of families, relatives
and   friends  neighbours. An excellent orator and a effective and
convincing  toastmaster, Fr. Bruno showed great promise in spreading the
Word of God in His vineyard. He fulfilled his mission with dedication as an
educator, speaker, and missionary, passionately committed to both social
and spiritual work. His efforts earned him respect, appreciation
,encouragement and praise from his Superiors.The farewell oratories
exhaustively  document his achievements. Besides he is immortalised in very
popular  songs by  reputed Kon Artists

Beyond the altar, Fr. Bruno was also a popular soccer player whose passion
, skills , delighted youngsters and made him a role model. In recognition
of his love and passion for soccer, the Village Football Club?Villagers of
Chinchinim Union?conducted a popular tournament in his honour for three
consecutive years, receiving wholehearted Village  community support and
sports enthusiasts.

The first SSC Topper Award was founded by the Chinchinim Villagers, with
citations offered by Capt. Leo and Mrs. Dollia Fernandes.
The Second Rank Holder  Award was instituted by Mr. Polly and Mrs. Charlet,
who also donated the costs of  citations.
The Third Rank holder  Award at SSC (GBSHSE) is the highest , received
overwhelming, generous support established by admirers of Fr. Bruno, with
citations offered by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. David and Filomena Leitao.
The Fourth Rank holder  Award, a crowning glory, has now been instituted by
his admirers and friends exclusively from Chicago , USA.Citations are
offered by Polly/ Sharlet &fly
I am pleased to inform  that  Soccer lovers have now initiated Sports
Soccer Award in his memory

Thus, Fr. Bruno Leitao, popularity  stands  tall and outstanding for any
individual, thus  a son of  is a  rare example in whose memory four
academic awards in different categories have been instituted by villagers,
friends, and admirers.

By popular demand a process  is initiated to institute Sports Soccer award
under Trust
in his memory. God willing, this idea may germinate and take shape in due
course; as of now, it remains only a cherished thought.

It is natural, though unfortunate, that good works?personal or public?are
often forgotten once a person leaves the scene. Yet not all beneficiaries
of Fr. Bruno?s goodwill fall into this category of ingratitude. Admittedly,
the response could have been more spontaneous, immediate, generous, and
magnanimous, rather than hesitant and delayed. Nevertheless, the schemes
remain open for enhancement at any time in the future.

Fr. Bruno is a much-admired priest who, in his brief ten years, sowed rich
seeds of faith, compassion, love, and social concern. In the years to come,
his memories will not merely reverberate but will continue to inspire
faith, devotion, and a passion for social responsibility. These awards will
undoubtedly keep his memory alive and serve as a model for others to follow.

Nelson Lopes
Chairman, P.C. Trust

Nelson Lopes
Chinchinim
Nelson Lopes
Chinchinim
https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com


End of Goanet Digest, Vol 21, Issue 82
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