Our tiny state of Goa had been blessed in the past with an abundance of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Many of them have left behind footprints in the sand of time and remarkable memories which will continue to inspire us and generations to come.
One such personality was the humble priest from Benaulim, Msgr. Herculano Gonsalves whose 151st birth anniversary we celebrate on 11 February, 2019. His faith-filled and holy life had a tremendous impact on the Church and society. He worked in Goa as Parish Priest of Calangute Church for only two and half years (1930-1932), but the impact he had on this village is remarkable. He was the founder of three major institutions in Calangute, namely, St. Alex Orphanage, Little Flower of Jesus School and the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Alex, now known as Handmaids of Christ.
Msgr. Herculano was a radical follower of the teachings of Jesus Christ. The words of Jesus “He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor” (Lk.4:18) became a reality in his life. He was a man far ahead of his time, who dared to be different. Giving away everything he owned and emptying himself for others, he became a champion of the poor and the protector of the girl child.
The poor were always close to his heart. Like a pelican that feeds its young with its own blood, Msgr. Herculano sustained the poor and orphans depriving himself even of the basic necessities. Tears would well in his eyes because he could not provide them more.
He sheltered them all in the warmth of his paternal care and prepared them to face the challenges of life. By the sweat of his brow and countless sacrifices, he built a home for the homeless children who affectionately called him ‘Pai’ (daddy). To safeguard the dignity of the girl child and to protect vulnerable children, he sacrificed himself and his all, and even sold his share of the family property to re-build the orphanage when the construction collapsed half way. Such was his dedication, tenderness and paternal love – a self-emptying love that gives everything. He lived the maxim of ‘death to self’ to be alive only for God and the other. He was a man of faith, a man of vision and had a mission to fulfill. In spite of his involvement in a number of social activities, he never allowed the things of this world to distract him from his focus on God. He was a man who lived all for God, only for God and always for God in the service of his people, especially the poor and needy.
May the sweet memories of Msgr. Herculano’s selfless service inspire you and me to do one little act of kindness and bring a smile on the face of a poor brother or sister in need.
