by Antonio da Rosa Lobo
Fr Mario Pires, who scurried to the remote corners of Goa in search of the hungry, thirsty, naked, sick and destitute, to alleviate their sufferings, was called back by his Creator to eternal rest at the age of 87 years after a prolonged illness, on July 4, 2013. Fr Mario the blazing torch, was permanently burnt out leaving behind not darkness but light of having served a life in the service of the Lord and humanity.
Many are called but few are chosen. Fr Mario accepted the call in a fullness of spirit, living a life of simplicity and service, wiping away peoples’ tears and sharing in their joy and happiness.
He was a man of prodigious energy and remarkable achievement. He was witty, wise and had an opinion on every subject. He extended his arms to one and sundry. He often said that the unpredictable demands on a priest are interesting and challenging. They centre on meeting the needs of the sick, old, hurt, hungry, imprisoned, exiled, marginalized, happy, etc. A priest shares with them with understanding, encouragement and support. He rejoices, cries and celebrates with them. Such events are both, painful and rewarding, fatiguing and empowering.
The parable of the last judgment (Mt 25): I was hungry, thirsty, naked sick ….. propelled him to go in search of these unfortunate brothers, right in the homes of orphans, destitute, mentally challenged, old and sick all over Goa. He comforted them and alleviated their sufferings. In the words of Mother Theresa, he gave until it hurt. He believed that the greatest virtue is charity (supernatural love). How can you love God whom you do not see if you are indifferent to your brother whom you see? Therefore, Fr Mario showed his faith in the way he treated his brother.
Fr Mario after he was ordained a priest, was appointed Assistant Parish Priest of Cortalim from 1954 to 1956. Parra from 1957 to 1958, Curtorim from1958 to 1960. He was then posted as Chaplain of Molcornem and subsequently at Vaxim de Loutolim. In 1965 he was appointed Vice Principal of Holy Cross High School Kurla, Bombay. During his tenure as teacher he completed his Bachelor in Arts and Bachelor in Education.
In all these parishes and schools he worked with devotion and dedication for the glory of God. On his return to Goa he worked as the Chaplain of St John the Baptist Chapel Umtavaddo and Candelaria Chapel Sauntavaddo, Calangute. Fr Mario was a fiery speaker. He preached the Word of God with such fervor and conviction that even the hardened sinners were moved to repentance. He was always restless looking for opportunities where he could contribute his best to bring more and more souls to the fold of Christ.
In the parishes where he ministered, he left dedicated footprints. Many of his parishioners benefited immensely from his contact. He never shunned work, no matter how trivial it might have looked.
More than 60 priests, Archbishop and other church dignitaries with whom he was in touch with even in his last days, assisted his funeral to bid him farewell. Nuns of various congregations and parishioners of his village and those where he served came in large numbers.
Surely God will reward him for adhering to his mission undeterred by few limitations that God had put on his frail body with prodigious energy. His sparkling contributions will motivate many to see Christ in those unfortunate and neglected brothers.
