FREDDY FERNANDES
freddy@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Fr. Chrysologus D'Cunha a Salesian of Don Bosco, who passed away on January 6, 2025 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’ mortal remains were laid to rest at Don Bosco Fatorda cemetery. Fr Chrys was ordained a priest on 16 December 1972, at Panjim. He served as Rector at Andheri, Matunga and Quepem, besides other postings.
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 Chrys was a simple Salesian, would come alive on a football field,Fr. Nelson Carvalho, Campus Minister at Kurla
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.”
Anthony Mascarenhas, ex President St Dominic Savio HS, Andheri Alumni Unit opined, “Fr Chrys will be fondly remembered as the pioneer & Godfather of this lovely institute of Dominic Savio Andheri.”
“Football was his passion. He coached the Don Bosco HS team in 1960s and they emerged winners of inter school tournaments.”Fr Michael D’Costa, Director, Don Bosco Vocational Training Institute Igramol Quepem Goa
Felicio 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 praised him as, “Simple and humble person who made us feel at home on the very first day at Fatoda. With his demise, the Salesians has been gifted with a soul in the heavenly kingdom.”
“He was full of zest for Don Bosco and full of love for poor youngsters.”Fr Lionel Braganza, Rector, Don Bosco Academy, Sutgatti – Hubballi
Fr Chris Valentino, from Don Bosco Lonavla saw him as “a cheerful, jovial affable & inspiring personality.” Fr. Austin Fernandes, Don Bosco Youth Services Director, Benaulim states how “morning till evening he would offer soft drinks to little boys and girls and listen to them attentively. That was his love for Children.”
” The Andheri boys remember him fondly as one who genuinely cared for his boys and as a man with a big heart.”Fr Brian Moras, the Vice Rector, DB Kurla
Beatrice Pinto, former Assistant Head, Matunga recalls how Fr Chrys gave her loads of confidence during her early years as a teacher by asking her to organize a quiz on Don Bosco.
“I often recount his lessons to my students, sharing how Father Chris used his humour and understanding nature to instil discipline and impart value education.”Jenifa Dias, Teacher at Mount Marys Mary’s High School Chinchinim
Kevin Souza, Boarder, Don Bosco Sulcorna, between 2001 to 2006 stated, “He ensured we were well-fed, not just with breakfast, lunch, dinner, but with a little extra love, ladoos and peanut chikkis to bananas, chikoos, and coconuts from the farm.”
Fr. Chris believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself, and I can never thank him enough for his kindness and encouragement.Cicero Philip Fernandes an IT Operation Engineer, UK
Cicero Philip Fernandes an IT Operation Engineer from UK who was in Sulcorna says, “Fr Chrys mentioning my name at Mass of how I worked hard on my Konkani mass readings touched me deeply. I’ll never forget how Fr. Chris believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself, and I can never thank him enough for his kindness and encouragement.” RIP Fr Chrys.
A true Salesian, robust and tall.
Always cheerful,loved by all .
Standing infront of the Chapel , His bubbly chat .
All ready in his boots and his cowboy hat .
A Don Bosco who led us by faith and prayer.
Your words,"Don't worry Mother Mary is there".
A man of the farm,he loved nature .
His passion was to help Don Bosco Agro Ed Nuture.
Children especially boys flocked to his room
Be it Morning,Be it noon.
He listened to their woes.
Guided them to be sincere and to be on their toes.
You will forever remain in our hearts and mind.
Cause you have left your footprints behind.
Good Bye father Chrys!
Teacher Nisha
Don Bosco Farm High School Sulcorna