FREDDY FERNANDES
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PANJIM: Fr. Chrysologus D’Cunha a Salesian of Don Bosco, who passed away on January 6, at Don Bosco, Panjim was given a grand final adieu, with the funeral mass presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Fr Simiao Purificação Fernandes and concelebrated by Goa Provincial Fr Clive Telles, Vice Provincial Fr Banzelao Teixeira, Ex Provincial of Mumbai Province Fr Godfrey D’Souza, Economer Fr Francis Silveira, Rector Fr Tamatur Cardozo and Principal Fr Avin Carvalho.
Fr Chrys’s mortal remains were laid to rest at Don Bosco Fatorda cemetery. Fr Chrys was ordained a priest on December 16, 1972, at Panjim. He served as Rector at Andheri, Matunga and Quepem, besides other postings.
Fr Chrys was extremely jovial and always greeted everyone with a smile and was very witty. As Fr Loddy Pires, Director of the DB Shrine recounts, “When some of his theology colleagues at Kristu Jyoti College, remarked that the building was too posh for a theologate, (then) Br. Chrys said, “Why not “white wash the building with black paint? His record of 17 years of hard work as the Farm Manager at D B Sulcorna is unforgettable.”
Former Provincial of Goa Province Fr Felix Fernandes, recounts how in 1992, “Fr Chrys who was Parish Priest actually put together two wooden benches, placed a mattress on top to make a bed for me, in the tiny presbytery in Tuem village. I had never seen anyone do that for me before.”
Fr Nelson Carvalho, Campus Minister at Kurla said, “Fr Chrys was a simple Salesian, who would come alive on a football field, but dedicated his life especially to nourish young underprivileged children.”
Fr Lionel Braganza, Rector, Don Bosco Academy, Sutgatti – Hubballi said, “He was full of zest for Don Bosco and full of love for poor youngsters.”
Fr Michael D’Costa, Director, Don Bosco Vocational Training Institute Igramol Quepem Goa recounted, “Football was his passion. He coached the Don Bosco HS team in the 1960s and they emerged winners of inter school tournaments.”
Fernandes, Emeriti Association Goa said, “Fr Chrys’ sensitivity towards the poor stood out. His passion for football and hockey and Goan Food and Feni was well known.”
Nazario D’Souza said, “Simple and humble person who made us feel at home on the very first day at Fatorda.”
