Team Herald
MARGAO: Former Parish priest of Velim, Fr Romano Gonsalves, passed away at the JMJ Hospital, Porvorim, on Monday afternoon. He was 69.
He was posted at the Clergy Home in Porvorim and the funeral date will be announced later.
The parishioners of Velim stood in solidarity with Fr Romano when he was hurtfully dragged into the infamous Velim Church attack case of 2012.
It may be recalled that the villagers had gathered at the Church as they feared that Fr Romano was being attacked and had condemned the manner in which the police had tried to question the priest.
There was public outrage on the police’s behaviour thereafter, particularly as it had happened just before the Assembly elections.
The trial in the sensational 2012 Velim Church attack case is before the IInd Additional JMFC Court, Margao.
The prosecution has so far examined around 8-9 witnesses in the case. The Cuncolim Police have cited a total of 97 witnesses in support of its case.
Adv Pritam Morais, who was appearing on behalf of Fr Romano in the infamous Velim Church assault case informed that it is unfortunate that Fr Romano passed away without getting a clean chit from the trial court.
He said the matter is pending for trial before the Court since the year 2015 and only a few witnesses have been examined.
Adv Morais said during his lifetime, Fr Romano Gonsalves always maintained that he was innocent.
Adv Morais said Fr Romano and the villagers of Velim were targeted and made victims of a political conspiracy.
Fr Romano was stressed that young boys from the village of Velim were accused in the crime and their future blotted at a young age and was determined to establish his innocence in the court of law. With his unfortunate death, the court battle will go on without him remaining alive to defend his innocence, Adv Pritam added.
Tributes started to pourin for Fr Romano.
“Fr Romano Gonsalves was a priest who despite his sickness tried to be a pastor. He had great love for the poor because he silently would help many a poor. His love for Mando was exceptional”, said Fr Aleixo Menezes, Rector of Rachol Seminary.
Fr Romano’s efforts in promoting mando across the State were commended by all with videos of his work, interaction with musicians and interviews being circulated.
“Fr Romano also served as priest at Mae De Deus Chapel Corjuem. He was the reason we got to perform on Kala Academy’s stage for seven years. He was the reason we learnt our Goan mandos, dulpods, dekhni, and many other folk songs. Every parish he went to, he taught the village Goan mandos and got them ready to sing on the big stage winning awards. He has done some real good work, our Almighty God will be very pleased with. Let us all pray that our Almighty grant eternal rest to his soul,” read one such message that was circulated.
