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. 
