Legends don’t die, they live in the hearts of men and people’s whose lives they touched. In the 1970s and 1980 Fr Benedict Furtado a Salesian of Don Bosco endeared himself to the poor and deserving boys, as acknowledged by the love and admiration which many past pupils of Don Bosco Panjim have for Fr Benedict.
Today 13 June 2025, Salesians commemorate the 39th death anniversary of Fr Benedict who died young at the age of 55 years at Matunga, in 1986. Fr Benedict was in Don Bosco Panjim as Prefect of Studies from 1970 to 1975 and as Rector and Principal from 1978 to 84, during which period he sent many boys to the priesthood to Don Bosco Lonavla and even paid their fees when they could not afford it.
In Goa, Fr Benedict Furtado is a legend because he founded the Goa Basketball Association and built the first Basketball court at Don Bosco Panjim and not only promoted the game in Goa but personally conducted training sessions for youth. 17 clubs were registered as members of the Goa Basketball Association, when he was the Founder President.
“Fr. Benedict had an ardent passion for youth and especially the poor. When he was in Pune, with me he told us if we ever came across a college student who could not afford to pay fees or buy books he would help these students financially. He also asked us to invite them to our DB Koregao Park Centre for a cup of tea and play Basketball,” Rommel D’Souza recounts saying he could be seen as the reincarnation of Don Bosco.
“Fr Benedict Furtado was my Don Bosco High School Headmaster, a most loving and caring priest with maximum patience. I was fortunate to learn the Basketball through his encouragement after which I became a State Player,” Past Pupil of Panjim, Adv Rui Ferreira recollects.
“Even in his life threatening illness, he was peaceful, never grumbled whatsoever. He led a life of Poverty. No excesses always lived frugally,” Fr Lionel Braganza, who is posted at Karnataka narrates.
“Fr. Benedict Furtado may not be a canonized saint today in the Church, but I honour him as a very good human being and a saint to imitate and cherish all my life,” Fr Albano Fernandes from DB Quepem says.
“Fr. Benedict had a heart for the poor. Many past pupils from Panjim, Taleigao, Caranzalem and other places in Goa attribute their effectiveness in life to the care and concern shown to them by this wonderful priest,”
Fr Felix Fernandes, Former Provincial of Goa Salesian Province testifies.
This legend who changed the lives of many youth in Goa, during the hard times of 70s and 80s lives on in our hearts forever.