ABE FARIA'S STATUE INAUGURATED IN CANDOLIM.

The newly installed Abe Faria's Statue in Candolim

Where every past Calangute Constituency MLA failed the current MLA Michael Lobo succeeded in installing the Statue of Abade de Faria in his birth place Candolim. Kudos to Michael Lobo for making efforts to get this job done and shame on all his predecessors for being impotent in doing  this job even though some of them were in the ruling party. However, if it was installed in Pintos Vaddo itself where Faria was born 260 years ago, it would be nice. I don’t know who selected the present site and why the locals were not consulted. However, inspite of this goof, I also say kudos to the local Panchayat headed by the current Sarpanch Sandra who has woken up to help this job done while all her predecessors remained dormant, of course shamelessly.  

The local Pe. Vigar Colaco is seen blessing the tatue

If I am not mistaken, it was Goa Governor Nakul Sen in mid sixties who while inaugurating the Candolim Panchayat Ghar, exclaimed in a surprise tone thus: “Oh my goodness, on what soil I am standing now! The soil that gave birth to one of the greatest  human beings of this planet, Abe Faria.  I feel honoured to be present in Faria’s birth place, Candolim. I congratulate you who gathered here to be the citizens of this village of Abe Faria”. This was the surprise expression of a Bengali  Sen when he came to know at the last minute that this village gave birth to Abe Faria.

A section of the attendees seen attending the Meet

In Kuwait while I was addressing the international gathering comprising elite background, I was asked where I come from by a western member of the audience. I replied saying “I come from the place and the village that gave birth to the world renowned Hypnotist Abe Faria”. Hearing this some in the audience got up and applauded me for being a Goan from Abe Faria’s village. 

Michael Lobo is seen unveiling the Picture

Abe Faria though revered outside Goa yet remained a forgotten hero in his own place and village where there are Ladru-Pedru type of people handling the local affairs. Otherwise this Statue would come out long time back. To do this  type of great job you need intellectual people in your local administration and not those having the background of domestics Ladru -Pedru. Thanks to the efforts of Michael Lobo otherwise this Statue would remain a distant dream. The “Chors” who looted the village of Abe Faria never thought of keeping his memory alive. 

Tomazinho Cardoso seen addressing the Meet.

The Statue was inaugurated thru the hands of Tomazinho Cardoso in the presence of Michael Lobo, local Pe. Vigar and others.

Police Band is in attendance

During this function, one picture depicting three Candolim Tiatrists namely the late Alexinho de Candolim, Tomazinho Cardoso & the late Young Menezes was also unveiled.  Goa is yet to produce the likes of Alexinho de Candolim and Young Menezes though they died a long time back. According to my view, Goa is unlikely to produce again such a duo.

Director General of Police seen addressing the Meet

Excellent speeches on Abe Faria were delivered by the intellectually giant speakers namely Isabela Santa Rita Vaz, Dr. Hegde and Director General of Police who researched Abe Faria’s life so well. Their speeches were very appropriately focused on the subject of the function based only on Abe Faria without diverting cheaply elsewhere. It was their great speeches that brought the level of the function to the pedestal befitting the grandeur of Abe Faria.

Isabela Santa Rita Vas seen above

In  my recently published book “From Coconut Trees to Oil Wells” I made a great deal of mention of Abe Faria. I am sure those who read my book must have noticed this. Additionally, I wrote a few articles earlier requesting the concerned people to erect the Statue of Abe Faria in Candolim. I am finally happy that the statue has been installed. 

Seen above is Dr. Hegde

Michael Lobo addressing the gathering

                                                Local Sarpanch Sandra seen above


A. Veronica Fernandes.

FAREWELL TO CANDOLIM CHURCH.

BRO. ONASIS NAZARETH SAVIO D’CRUZ.

FAREWELL TO CANDOLIM PARISH.

After completing his first term of 6 months of Regency to gain experience at Candolim Parish Church, Brother Onasis Nazareth Savio D’Cruz finally bade adieu to Candolim on 6^th of this month  to complete the remaining second term in Dadra & Nagaraweli where he will have to work mainly with the tribal people.

Brother Onasis was  named after Greek business tycoon Aristotle Onasis who was married to Jacqueline Kennedy the wife of assassinated President of USA, John F. Kennedy.

Hailing from Baga Velim in Salcette he did his Seminary education at Rachol Seminary and then went on obtaining a degree – Bachelor of Mass Media from Bombay University thru St. Xaviers College, Bombay. To get priestly ordination he still has to put in another three years of studies which he will do and probably get ordained in 2020.

During his 6 months stay in Candolim, I found him very charismatic person, over eager to help anyone seeking any help in Church matters and also on spiritual. Because of his humble nature parishioners loved him very much. Even Hindus liked him very much. His attraction lies in his broad charismatic smile which Candolim parishioners will miss henceforth.

When questioned about his 6 months stay in Candolim and his observation, he said the Candolim village is very beautiful inhabited by very good people and the local parishioners he said are very religious and devotional  and above all very co-operative.

When asked what message he wants to give to the people of Candolim, he said “lead a good family life and God will automatically bless you”.

 

Finally he thanked all the parishioners for their love, affection and co-operation.  And in a special way he thanked  the Pe. Vigar, Pe. Cur, all the groups helping in the Church activities for their support and co-operation in fulfilling his duties in the Candolim Church.

I wish you Brother Onasis all the best in your pastoral duties. May God Bless You.

 A.Veronica Fernandes.

"MEET THE ARTISTE" TIATRIST SUCURRINHA

In a regular programme organized by Tiatr Academy Goa, “MEET THE ARTISTE”, today the famous Tiatrist Sucurrinha Pizardo was interviewed by Michael Jude Gracias in the presence of good number of audience at Institute Menezes Braganza Hall,   Panjim, at 4.00 PM.

Not only on the Stage Sucurrinha showed her maturity in acting but also in answering with ease the posers posed to her by the interviewer and some members of the audience.

Seen above is the compeer.

She spoke well with her witty statements woven with jokes thus giving an impression that she is  on the Stage of course to the continuous applauding by the attendees.

Seen above is Sucurrinha 

She made some very interesting comments during the interview namely, “If what I am today it is only because of Tiatro and Konkani”. “ If by chance I am born again, I will opt for Tiatristpon only”.  “I would even love to die on the Stage only”.  So much she is indebted to Konkani Stage.

Seen above is Mr. Gracias

She was all in praise of past tiatrists for their qualitative works and good character.

She said she was introduced to Tiatro in Bombay by Saib Rocha and then there was no stopping.

Seen at right is Sucurrinha

She rendered some of her songs to oblige the attendees including one by mixing with the attendees.

As a whole, it was wonderful entertainment.

Seen singing one of her songs

A.Veronica Fernandes.