In Sernabatim, a beautiful village along the west coast in South Goa adorned with lust green fields and the imposing sand dunes constantly caressed by the waves of the Arabian sea, a son was born to pious parents – Ms. Berta Souza and Mr. Wolfango Da Costa on April 25, 1951 and baptized at the Colva Church on May 2 and was named Boulais Da Costa.
A pall of gloom descended on this village in the wee hours of the morning on the September 3, 2015 as one of the affable, gentle and finest pastor Rev. Fr. Boulais Da Costa was no more.
He was known for his wonderful qualities of head and heart. A charming pastor always full of wit and humour upholding the principles and values he cherished.
Having been associated with him closely as a member of editorial board of Parish bulletin and as a teacher at Fatorda, his influence and contribution in my spiritual life was inexplicable and his passing away will always leave an irreplaceable void in my heart. He lived by faith nourished by his unfailing life of prayers, silence and reflection.
The last chapter of his life was marked with indifferent health and much suffering but he bore his ailment heroically with great patience till the end. Once asked as to what message he would give to the faithful. Fr Costa had said “ Every Christian is Christ, so in our thoughts, words and deeds we have to radiate the fragrance of Christ to all around us wherever we are. He impressed upon me to read. Psalm 91 which I faithfully read till date.
From him I have learnt many great lessons for life. I learnt the power of disagreements, of dialogue and the essence of living with diversely in thinking. He also taught me by example a very different definition of success – bloom where you are planted and give your best. Having committed himself to spread the good news in the assembly of Gods people, he found that the creator has richly blessed him with qualities he needed in his vocation. Fr. Boulais was a pastor with bold steps, outstanding commitment, understanding, liberal thinking, affectionate nature, innovative ideas and sincere affection – in abbreviation BOULAIS.
A shepherd who was ever attuned to the Spiritual needs of his flock, he was instrumental in providing a serene and beautiful prayer room transformed the parish into a vibrant Parish. He brought the entire Parish together involving all parishioners at different levels to give a true meaning to the concept of lay apostolate through various events and programmes he made excellence a habit, he channelized the energies of the young and young at heart in building a community of brotherhood.
May the Good Lord who called him to the heavenly abode reward him for his magnanimity for the exemplary priestly life he lived.
