St. Francis of Assisi & the Greek Cross

As I was going through a box of old photos, I came across a postcard with the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi that my friend had sent to my son from Assisi in Italy dated 18th April 1989. The prayer has a large ‘T’, which you may know, is the Greek alphabet ‘Tau’. It also represents the Greek Cross and a symbol adopted by St. Francis of Assisi and the order of the Franciscans Minor. Incidentally, this symbol adorns the outer wall of the visitors parlour attached to Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi at my Alma Mater - St. Anthony’s High School, Monte de Guirim.

The Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi is located on the crest of the hill, known as Monte de Guirim, Guirim, Bardez Goa.

Photo by Tony Fernandes

The Prayer of St. Francis

A dedication to Pope Francis.

The touching hymn,’ Make me a channel of your peace’ and otherwise known as ‘Prayer for St. Francis’ was written by Sebastian Temple (1928-1997) who grew up in South Africa and later moved to London, where he worked on news broadcast relating to South Africa. After converting to Catholicism and adopting the Franciscan lifestyle, Sebastian became a Secular Franciscan and spent much of his time composing music for worship. 

He is best remembered for “The Prayer of St. Francis”. 

This is one of my favourite hymns.

Lyrics

Make me a channel of your peace

Where there is hatred let me bring your love

Where there is injury, your pardon Lord

And where there is doubt true faith in You

Make me a channel of your peace

Where there is despair in life let me bring hope

Where there is darkness only light

And where there's sadness ever joy

Oh, Master grant that I may never seek

So much to be consoled as to console

To be understood as to understand

To be loved as to love with all my soul

Make me a channel of your peace

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned

It is in giving to all men that we receive

And in dying that we are born to eternal life

Oh, Master grant that I may never seek

So much to be consoled as to console

To be understood as to understand

To be loved as to love with all my soul

Make me a channel of your peace

Where there's despair in life let me bring hope

Where there is darkness only light

And where there's sadness ever joy

CELEBRATING POPE FRANCIS

Celebrating Pope Francis.

               On March 13, 2013, white smoke billowed from the Vatican chimney, and the new Pope was revealed to the world as Francis. Suddenly, the entire Church was newly focused on his namesake, the Assisi man of poverty and of peace - Patron Saint of St. Anthony's High School, Monte de Guirim, Bardez, Goa, India.

               His Holiness Pope Francis demonstrates the joyful faith of Francis of Assisi wherever he goes. Today is the 5th Anniversary of Pope Francis as the head of the Catholic Church - a symbol of humility and kindness, an Apostle of peace and servitude, a voice of conscience and integrity. 

Please click on the following link to my blog article: 'Habemus Papam' - We have a Pope!

http://tonferns.blogspot.ca/…/habemus-papam-l-we-have-pope.…

St. Francis of Assisi, Patron of St. Anthony's High School, Monte de Gurim, Bardez, Goa

October 4 , 2014

Today is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), one of the best-loved Catholic saints, who was the founder of the Order of Friars Minor (Capuchin) and the Secular Franciscan Order. He is the Patron of the renowned institution of St. Anthony's High School, my Alma Mater, Monte de Guirim, Bardez, Goa. Our present Pope has adopted his Papal name as 'Francis' - after St. Francis of Assisi, who is known for his humility.

 Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi, Monte de Guirim.

Bardez Goa.

Main altar of the Chapel, dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi.

Twilight view of the Arabian Sea from Monte de Guirim, Bardez, Goa.

The Alverno Friary & Residence

Resting place of the great Capuchin Friars of Monte de Guirim.

Cross of peace and tranquility facing the Chapel on the Hill. Monte de Guirim. An ideal quiet place for prayer, solace, comfort and inspiration.

On the right side of this cross, as one looks at the picture above,  the giant old nunerca tree stood strong perhaps for generations. This tree was a legend in its lifetime. It was like a mother that sheltered and protected her children under her huge arms from the hot sun and rain.  For the physical training exercise, boys lined up for the “drill” under this legendary tree. In the afternoon boys some played, while other read books. Mission Sunday event was held on this mini plateau. Its own branch roots were very cleverly nurtured back into the earth with soil around it round tin pipes, thereby providing support for itself. Though botanists tried to save it, the old tree sadly did not survive. But a new one that was immediately planted in its place soon grew to its full size and provides a nostalgic reminiscence to the visiting scholars of the old days.

Habemus Papam! (L) - (We Have a Pope!)

Habemus Papam! ("We Have a Pope!")

came  the announcement yesterday given in Latin by the Cardinal Protodeacon, the senior Cardinal Deacon, upon the election of a new Roman Catholic Pope. He is Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina. At 76, he is the first Jesuit ever to be elected Pope. He is known to have been a very simple and humble man, commuting by bus and cooking his own meals.

There is something special about this announcement that gave me goose bumps as soon as I heard the news.

Viva Il Papa! were cries heard in jubilation in St. Peter's Square, Rome, and as banner headlines in the newscasts all over the world announcing the Pope's election.

Humility and servitude personified!

People around the world waited eagerly for this moment, glued to their TV sets. This news was proclaimed from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Later the new pope was presented to the people and he gave his first Urbi et Orbi blessing.

Most importantly though for me it only seems fitting and apt that we have a new Pope who has adopted his new name as 'Francis' - after St. Francis of Assisi, who is known for his humility.

What's in a name?

Incidentally, Francis is a common name in Goa, India, and all around the world.  St Francis of Assisi is also the patron of my Alma Mater - St. Anthony's High School, Monte de Guirim, which is run by Franciscan Friars for the last 71 years.

http://tonferns.blogspot.ca/2010/10/chapel-of-st.html

At this juncture, we should not forget the name Francis for yet another reason - St. Francis Xavier - the pioneering Jesuit Missionary of the Orient.

“Vere dignum et justum est".

Is it not then, fitting and just, that 'Francis' is the apt name that the new Pope, a Jesuit himself, has adopted after two great Catholic Saints?

*  Francis - after St. Francis of Assisi - a symbol of humility - the Franciscan Friar and preacher. Francis' devotion to God was expressed through his love for all of God's creation. St. Francis cared for the poor and sick, he preached sermons to animals, and praised all creatures as brothers and sisters under God. St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and ecology, was born in Italy around 1181 or 1182.

http://tonferns.blogspot.ca/2010/12/blog-post.html 

and

* Francis - the great Missionary to the East - St. Francis Xavier - the Jesuit and Apostle of the Indies - whose relics are kept in a silver casket, elevated inside the Cathedral of Bom Jesus, Old Goa.

Coincidence?

The new Holy Father has Italian and Spanish roots - St. Francis of Assisi was Italian and St. Francis Xavier was Spanish.

May long be the Reign of Pope Francis I
(so far the 7th Pope in my lifetime)

Viva Il Papa!

http://tonferns.blogspot.ca/2010/10/chapel-of-st.html

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI, Monte de Guirim

HAPPY FEAST DAY

of St. Francis of Assisi

http://tonferns.blogspot.ca/2010/10/chapel-of-st.html

CHAPEL of St. Francis of Assisi, Monte de Guirim, Bardez, Goa - India

CHAPEL of St. Francis of Assisi, Monte de Guirim, Bardez, Goa - India

RAINY DAYS AT MONTE

THE OLD PUMP-HOUSE & THE WELL

THE TWIN FOOTBALL FIELDS
(Please double-click on picture for an enlarged view)
Photos by Tonferns 2001

RAINY DAYS & MONDAYS AT MONTE

Rainy days and Mondays, they say, even in a song. But rainy days at school, added by a Monday meant a very boring day with a tendency of getting us and our spirits down. So, in this eventuality it would mean that there would be no outside play during breaks in the afternoon, or games in the evenings down the hill at the twin football fields. This was because of the fear that the boys would get sick if they got wet in the rain on the way back from the playgrounds. Boarders would have then to succumb to being confined to the long corridors or verandahs of the school buildings and pass their time with improvised games or read in the classrooms.

But for Felicio, who was a day-scholar, it was a different story altogether in sharp contrast to a boarder's routine. He tried his best to avoid the rain, or let it succeed in getting him down! For Felicio, who had to trek nearly 2 miles through the fields, be it through from light drizzles to torrential downpours of the monsoon season, it was nevertheless an arduous task.

Rising early in the morning Felicio glanced at the time-table stuck to the wall a little above his small study table in the dim morning light, sorted and selected his text and copy books for the day, while mother prepared his breakfast and also had his ‘tiffin’ ready.

Dark clouds loomed overhead with signs of impending showers of rain. So, for Felicio it seemed it was necessary to foresee the inclement weather conditions and have the books packed in a clear plastic bag which his mother had bought for him from Bhobe’s Stationery Shop in Mapusa. From the nearby ‘Tintto’ at Parra, Felicio had acquired thick rubber bands from the cycle repair shop, to hold the books together around in the plastic. He would then place this pack in turn into another bag that he would sling over his shoulder. And as if that was not enough, there was the raincoat and an umbrella. Felicio considered himself fully armed, before he set out on the long and usual hike to the school on the top of the hill.

Cumbiem Morod, Guirim. It was a modest and vibrant little ward of Guirim, where Felicio lived. There were 10 or 11 other boys in his village that went to the same school. They met at the point in the village where the worn paths crossed at the centre of the village near the small chapel by the well, waiting for the other boys before they started their onward march to the school, while Felicio, being the youngest, brought up the rear of the bee-line.

Handling and keeping the books, the ‘buthi’ (tiffin) and himself dry from the elements with a raincoat and an umbrella was quite a feat for little Felicio. Often they would stop and seek shelter in the balcao of a house on the way, whenever the showers very heavy. At the same time they were afraid of waiting for too long, as they would then arrive late to school.

Day-scholars who got their uniform wet in the rain would often be sent home by the headmaster, because of the risk of getting sick due to the dampness. Felicio experienced this on many occasions, and would always try to avoid being sent home.

Sometime in mid-July of circa 1956, the day had begun with intense precipitation combined with strong winds, and the rain water had somehow found its way and seeped into Felicio’s uniform through a tear in the side-pockets of his rain coat.

And so, as nature had its way, Felicio had found his day!
A rainy day had finally gotten him down. But it had an extra benefit and enjoyment of taking the long way home - walking along the main road passing partly through Guirim and Parra Jaknnim, because cutting through the fields as usual was impossible due to the flooding of the pathways through the fields that led to his humble home.

Although the years seem to have drifted away I cannot but help reminisce our bathing time after playing at those grounds when the “Boarding Father”, assisted by student volunteers, would toss on us water in buckets, drawn from the well near the grounds. Then upwards on the winding path through the cashew fruit trees up the hill we trudged again for days, months and years on end. When we at last made to the hill-top just before dusk, far down below we could still the farmers tending to their vegetable patches and rice crops in the fields.

All the electrical work was done and maintained by a dedicated Friar. His name was Bro. Diogo. Tube lights were first installed in the chapel in the late fifties. The generator, or dynamo as it was popularly known then, was used only in the night up to 11 pm. and sometimes when the skies darkened in the daytime during the rainy season. A new “dynamo” with more wattage was installed in the late fifties to cater to the additional demand created by newly added classrooms. As the old one could no longer take the full load it was then put on stand-by in case of an emergency.


An interesting and nostalgic moment that I recall is being fascinated by the pump house diesel engine that turned a long v-belt connected to a powerful water-pump that pumped water up to the school premises from the square shaped well – a remarkable engineering feat those days. As young boys we would put our ear on the pipe that ran up the hill to hear the faint murmur of the engine and the water gushing through it. The school also had a lightning conductor installed on the side of the steeple of the chapel. This provided safety not only for the school premises, but also protected the surrounding villages from severe lightning strikes.

Tony Felix (Felicio) Fernandes
Guirim, Cumbiem Morod,
(Story of Circa 1956)

MY ALMA MATER & ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

CHAPEL OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Monte de Guirim, Bardez, Goa, India.

Today is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan Order, born at Assisi in Umbria, Italy, in 1181. He died there on 3 October 1226.

The chapel on top of the hill at Monte de Guirim, Bardez, Goa, India, is dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi.

My Alma Mater - St. Anthony’s High School – is also situated on the top of this idyllic hill, well-known as Monte de Guirim, amidst peaceful and sylvan surroundings. It is named after St. Anthony of Padua, who was a follower of St. Francis of Assisi.

The school, situated in the district of Bardez, North Goa, is run by Franciscans - the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin.

The touching hymn,’ Make me a channel of your peace’ and otherwise known as ‘Prayer for St. Francis’ was written by Sebastian Temple (1928-1997) who grew up in South Africa and later moved to London, where he worked on news broadcast relating to South Africa. After converting to Catholicism and adopting the Franciscan lifestyle, Sebastian became a Secular Franciscan and spent much of his time composing music for worship. He is best remembered for “The Prayer of St. Francis”

Pictures by Tony Fernandes

LEGEND OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI & THE WOLF

LEGEND OF

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI & THE WOLF

is a metaphor for the Christian response to urban problems. The wolf can be any problem that presses the people into a fear-based fight or flight response; a problem which the population consistently fails to solve, and which tears them apart day and night without mercy. Whatever is "tearing a community apart" - that is its wolf.

The wolf kills to satisfy its hunger, but it does so in a lawless and uncontrolled way, bringing judgment on itself and fear to the people, generally the lawless meeting of an out of control need.

This is where St. Francis of Assisi steps in.

The wolf is challenged, forced into submission and made to stop its rampage of destruction. Instead it has to beg for food to sustain itself for the rest of its life and dies in poverty.

Picture above: Life-size figure of

St. Francis of Assisi and the wolf.

(Garden opp. Alverno Friary - top of the Hill of Guirim)

The Friars of Monte - 'Habitual' Humour

Imposing School Building

of the Nineteen Sixties

St. Anthony's High School

Monte de Guirim, Bardez, Goa, India.

'Bridging the Wings'

(Photos by Tony Fernandes)

'Habitual' Humour.

Fathers and Brothers in Uniform
during my time at Monte

They were unique with other exceptional and brilliant qualities besides their regular titles. They were fully devoted their vocation and dedicated to their professions in their chosen fields and proudly donned their distinct dark brown ‘habits’ contrasting with the white cords around their waists, hoods, sandals and ‘crown-cuts’. They were excellent in the arts - talented and innovative, having good organizational skills.

Here below is an appreciation, albeit somewhat on the witty side.

Monte de Guirim. 1953 - 1964

Fr. Pacificus Principal

True to his name, he could calm a storm.

As a builder and strict supervisor, he added and supervised the new school building.

Fr. Diogo, Principal

Excellent English and Konkani Preacher.

Clear delivery. Held audiences spellbound for hours.

Fr. Ambrose, Headmaster

Excellent English Teacher. Suave Administrator.

He taught more with good advice and words than a cane.

Fr. Patrick, Headmaster

History/Good Hockey Player

Known for providing students with the latest eventful news in politics and science at the end of the period. He must have also been the fastest running Friar on the Western Coast of India - in a habit, hockey stick in his left hand, and with the ball from one end of the field to the other.

Fr. Ephrem, Boarding in Charge

Excellent Math Teacher. Euclid of Monte. Absolutely applied the rule of law. Strict disciplinarian. Good marksman with a cane. Superb aim with a piece of chalk even at 50 feet.

Fr. Chrysostom, Physics & Chemistry

Scientist of Monte de Guirim.

Well-known for authoring a special Chemistry Book for School use. NASA would have been envious of his laboratory in its heyday which included a Leyden Jar, microscope, telescope and even a skeleton in the cupboard!

Fr. Fortunato, Geography

Mobile Atlas without a GPS. Ask him a place from Timbuktu to Buenos Aires and he would take you there.

Fr. Columban, English

Excellent Orator. Good diction. Font of knowledge. Witty. Always put things in a humorous way. I think he could have easily put Mark Anthony to shame.

Fr. Ireneus, Religion

Charismatic English and Konkani Preacher

Well known for his short, sweet and to-the-point sermons with chosen words.
Could easily and instantly turn an atheist into a believer!

Br. Vitalis, Art Director

Michaelangelo of Monte

Great Artist / Brilliant Innovator / A Friar with ideas galore!

Br. Peter, Infirmary in Charge

Well known throughout Goa for snake-bite cure.

Snakes might have been terrified of his curing prowess.

Br. Peter, Religion

No Bro. Peter - No Catechism
No Religion - No salvation.
Excellent Religion teacher.

Br. Polycarp, Infirmary in Charge,
Our Doctor in the House - A One-man Team of the Red Cross
From minor Band-Aid to Inoculalion.
From sickness to well-being.

Br. Titus, Engineer

No Bro. Titus, no lights, no water. Unassuming technical wizard. Knew the power generator, the water-pump system and anything mechanical inside out.

Br. Salvador, Music Director

Transportation Guru/ Very Good Driver / Swimmer.

Tough and bold Music Director. Could sense and pinpoint a false note from a distance.
Standing in the wings, unseen by the audience, conducted the entire presentation of the School Drama for two consecutive days. A combination of Yehudi Menuhin and Sterling Moss of Monte de Guirim. Fastest driver on the Western Coast : Monte to Mapusa in 5 minutes.

IN GENERAL:

As Educators: Providing schooling for students from all over Goa, irrespective of caste or religion.
As Administrators and Teachers: Providing a sense of community and belonging to the village of Guirim and also to the surrounding areas.

Tony (Felix) Fernandes - Ex-Student of Monte 1953-1964

PICNIC FOR THE MONTE BOYS

Picnic for the Monte Boys

Enjoyable Christmas and New Year holidays were over. Studies had now to be taken very seriously. It was our final year at the school. Prelims were fast approaching. Then there were S.S.C.Exams, as they were known in those days, to worry about. They were just around the corner too. But a final scholastic year would not be complete without a full day’s outing.

Generally around that time of year the boys looked forward to their final school picnic. Students volunteered to help the Capuchin Friars and class teachers in organizing this one day event and making it a success too. Preparations towards this day trip involved a lot of thought in planning. Probable visits to places of interest were thought and mapped out in advance. There were lot of places to see and explore but we had just a day to fit it all in. Since it was just one day’s excursion it had to be carefully worked out.

A good number of places to be seen and covered in a day’s time were a big dilemma. Returning back to school before nightfall would have to be considered. Also of concern was the fact that it would be still more difficult to make it back in time if we ventured too far down south of Goa. The reality that we may have to cross at least one or two rivers by ferry, depending upon the route we took, had also to be taken into account. This was long before bridges over the Mandovi and Zuari rivers could become realities. We were still in the early sixties. Other bridges destroyed during the Indian take-over were still being repaired while temporary ones built alongside served the purpose of crossing the several rivers.

Then there was a time aspect. We would not have much time on our hands to spend at each particular place of importance or significance if we increased the number of places in our list to see. Everything had to be take care of – the bus we would ride in, the route we would take, the places we would possibly be able to see set in the framework of a single day, and catering for the midday meal, and other related matters. All this was done for a nominal contribution of Rs.10/- from each participating student. 

The final countdown had started and the boys enthusiastically looked forward to this day. They were anxious to know the places they would be visiting on this tour. They also wished if their own suggestions and views could be heard. And some of them did manage to get a few ideas and proposals across.

The grand picnic day had finally dawned. We rose earlier than usual in order to prepare ourselves and donned our ‘picnic best’ attire. A good chance to do away with the usual school uniform!

In true Monte protocol, practice and tradition, any event of this nature has to start with a Holy Mass Service, followed by breakfast! And only then does any sort of fun, amusement or entertainment begins!

As we were hastily having breakfast we could hear a high whining sound - a typical high-pitched whine created by the revving of the bus engine up the steep road. By the time we were done with breakfast, the driver had already successfully maneuvered to reverse and park it on the slope facing the grotto. As was mostly done, stone blocks wedged in front of tires served as additional improvised chock devices to the parking brakes.

It was a sunny day, pleasant and cool for the time of year. The gentle breeze hissed through the tall trees swaying gently on the western side of the imposing main school building. The students from the junior dormitory were already up by now and watched us from above, perhaps wishing for a dawning of their own lucky day!

Soon after breakfast, all the boys swiftly clambered aboard the bus. Snacks and huge vessels containing pre-cooked food were loaded on at the back of the extended bus. We departed after making sure that everyone was on board. The bus gradually made its way down the spiraling slope of the hill. The early morning sun lit our faces through the windows. How refreshing and uplifting, I thought. Everyone was happy and smiling, looking forward to a day of excitement and fun. We had a lot of places to see and explore. Anticipation was building up.

The bus gained momentum and so did the joyful mood of the boys in the bus. Turning left at the junction on the main highway, we passed through Mapusa town, over the hill, down through Duler proceeding towards the north east of Goa via Tivim toward Bicholim. We visited the candle factory there, the cashew processing plant, ventured in the hills to see the ancient caves, and drove through the hills to get a general idea of mining operations within that area. The subsequent stop was at Arvalem Water Falls where we spent some time amidst spectacular surroundings. We also made a brief stop at the picturesque Mayem Lake where we had snacks and tea. We then hurriedly jumped on board once more and proceeded towards the south.

As the bus continued on its way, it was time for singing and none hesitated to join in. We stopped at a convenient site for lunch on a vast scenic plateau between Bicholim and Sanguem districts. An “outdoors grace before meals” preceded a sumptuous meal.

A group of boys at the rear of the bus unleashed another singing session soon after lunch. There was accompaniment on a guitar by one of the talented boys and later someone joined with a harmonica. One of the students read out a prepared tribute of thanks dedicated to the school Friars, Brothers, teachers and to all those involved in organizing the outing before we got on the bus yet again. It seemed we were almost running out of time and a little behind schedule. We had a lot of catching up to do by way of distance. So we immediately hit the road yet again continuing on our onward journey.

We passed through picturesque hills and villages proceeding through Ponda via the temporary bridge at Borim to Dabolim aerodrome on a fleeting trip. This sector was in fact a tentative segment as it would preclude further intended visits due to any delay. So it seemed there was some concern that we may not be able to make it to the rest of the places on the list of our itinerary.

Then there also appeared to be a delay in the ferry services. But somehow we were lucky and made it to the Agassaim side just in time.

Soon after crossing the River Zuari from Cortalim to Agassaim by ferry we diverted for a brief transitory visit to Fr. Agnel’s Seminary on the Pilar hillock. Passing through serene greenery, flora and foliage, it was sing-song time again. The megaphone thoughtfully carried along by one of the students had come in handy.

As estimated we still had enough time on our hands before sundown to go on a sight-seeing drive to Dona Paula, Mira Mar, and a brief visit to the Bishop’s Palace, erstwhile Portuguese Liceu School and Emissora de Goa (All India Radio) at Altinho in Panjim from where were witnessed a beautiful sunset and a breathtaking panoramic view of the river spanning from Reis Magos to Betim.

After crossing the River Mandovi over from Panjim to Betim by the ferry at dusk, we were now homeward bound. Homeward bound, I say, and perhaps fittingly so. St. Anthony’s High School, our alma mater at Monte de Guirim, had been a home away from home, in more ways than one, to many of us, for many years and in many ways, during our learning period there.

The boys were full of admiration and appreciation for the driving skill of our bus driver and his knowledge of the route. We thought he negotiated well through sharp bends and had brought us back safely. He also had a lot of patience with us. He put up with a lot of ruckus we created. So, as was customary, towards the end of our excursion we did not forget to sing an improvised composition to him, namely – “Our driver is a jolly good fellow”.

Yes, we did make it back safely to Monte a little beyond the sunset. It had been a great and very enjoyable day indeed. Everything had gone well, without any major glitch, hitch or incident.

Those were the good old days as we might say today. They were not anything like the modern times, but we did the best with was offered or available at the time. And the day was not complete without singing the timeless lyrics: “We’re the boys of Guirim” as the bus climbed the steep slope of the hill again with the distinct drone of its engine that I remember to this day. As we got off of the bus, we felt sad because a grand and immensely enjoyable day had just ended. And suddenly a grim silence prevailed - an inexplicable moment, a moment that we try to come to terms and deal with when all good things come to an end.

AD ARDUA!

Tony Fernandes
CLASS OF SIXTY-FOUR

THE NOSTALGIA OF MONTE DE GUIRIM

THE NOSTALGIA OF MONTE-DE-GUIRIM
By Tony Felix Fernandes (Student 1953 to 1964)
A nostalgic tribute to my Alma Mater,

St. Anthony's High School,Monte-de-Guirim, Bardez, Goa

Nestled on an idyllic hilltop known as Monte de Guirim, St. Anthony’s High School still sits firmly perched on it, in all its glory. It has been a model institution imparting education in the English medium for more than half a century. It is an Alma Mater to thousands of students that have passed through its portals, have been successful in their chosen careers and have spread far and wide all across the globe. They have perhaps their own stories of nostalgic moments to relate. The school was well-known for the prowess of its students not only academically but also in sports like football, field hockey, volley ball and basketball.

It is still competently run by the Capuchin Friars of the Order of Franciscan Minor. During its heyday, among the other things it was famous for, it was perhaps the only school that had its own bakery and its own power generator. It had its own fine doctor, a Friar, well-known for his medicinal cures for snake bites. Over the years it has continued to set a fine example in school management. Known for its excellent teaching staff, it produced results of a high rank in the final examinations at the Higher Secondary Level. The Friars were strict and maintained a high degree of discipline.

The school has been well-known all across Goa, others parts in India and abroad as a prime centre of education. It had at one time over 700 boarders. Other students, called day-scholars, walked up the hill to the school along the various meandering paths through the cashew fruit trees from all sides of the hill. Boys from around the nearby villages of Guirim, Sangolda, Canca, Parra, Verla, Saligao, Porvorim, Succorro, Perxet and Bastora attended this school. Other commuted on cycles from as far away as Anjuna and Siolim. They would usually keep their cycles at the quaint little shop or one of the houses down at the base of the hill and walked up the rest of the steep way to the school. From the north and west side we could use the staggered steps. And from the east we could use either the spiraling road or the steep straight short-cut to the top. Day-scholars usually carried their packed lunch with them, known locally as “buthi” and kept them in a special lunch room. The man in charge of this room would lock it at the start of morning session and open it at lunchtime. He was also in charge of the general cleanliness of the school premises. The day-scholars took their lunch boxes and headed up to the taller parts of the hill-side to eat under the cool shade of the cashew trees with an everyday picnic atmosphere!

Those were the days when it was a boys’ school only. Co-education was introduced much later. As I recall my days as a student there from the mid-fifties to the mid-sixties, this school had classes beginning from Preparatory Junior, Prep.Senior, followed by Standard I to XVIII. The High Secondary Examination Passing Class was then known as Matric. As I admire and reminisce its glory today far away from home, it seems that schooling was fun and hard work too at the same time. The school year began on the 6th of June, ending the last term in early April.

The day began with an early dawn Angelus followed by Mass at the Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi at the apex of the sylvan surroundings. After breakfast the classes began with the Assembly in the corridor of the main building. One of the students would lead in singing of the school hymn “Come Holy Ghost” with all the boys joining in. The boys then quickly proceeded to the respective classes. During the first subject period which was always invariably English, mild amusement and distraction was provided by the late-comer who sometimes arrived panting for breath, with a school bag slung over his shoulder. 

With the usual subject periods of English, History, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, General Science and Religion, it was soon time for the midday recession time with lunch in the refectory, followed by recreation time. Imagine the clatter of cutlery during the lunch-hour created by over 500 boarders all dining at one time! The din produced by this clash of utensils could be heard as far away as the classrooms on the eastern side of the temporary classrooms. The day-scholars who brought lunch in tiffin boxes (or 'buthi' as the boxes were fondly called) went to the "Buthi Room" to retrieve their stored lunches from there and then proceeded to have their lunch under the shade of cashew trees. During this time, the boys carried on with various extra-curricular activities some of which included playing table-tennis and carom. One of the fine moments that I still remember is the stackable six 12-inch LP record-changer, that was connected to the public address system and classical music was played at this time. Familiar tunes heard at this hour were 'The Blue Danube', 'Tiritomba' and 'Funiculi Funicula'. This system was also used for reciting the Holy Rosary in Konkani at eight o’clock in the night over the loudspeakers. This could be clearly heard in the stillness of the night for over a distance more than two kilometers.

Recess time was also the time for music and other activities like quick sketching drawing and painting still life for the art students under the guidance of the amazingly brilliant artist Brother known for his phenomenal masterpieces adorning the walls of the chapel and the sacristy. At this time of the break boys gathered and sang songs, playing the guitar on the benches under the famous and gigantic nunerca tree overlooking the huge expanse of fields extending to the borders of the villages of Calangute, Arpora and Parra, with a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea, the hills of Arpora, Parra and in the distance northwest the hills of Anjuna, while the music students would be practicing on the piano and violin in the music parlour. Incidentally, this room also served as a waiting room for the parents of students who visited the boarders. The Friars saw that they would always be offered a lunch. Prior to the after-noon session there was study time. Total silence reigned during this time as the “Boarding Father” constantly patrolled the corridor with his downcast gaze probably reading and concentrating on the Holy Book, but not losing any track of the odd erring student either! At this time of the after-noon we would on some days be interestingly distracted with the trucks supplying firewood as their engines whined climbing up the steep hill. Also the occasional BSA or Floret motor-cycle that revved up the hill was a novelty. I still treasure the moment when the Volkswagen Beetle first made its debut appearance at Monte in the late fifties. On the spur of the moment and in a sudden show of energy, a bunch of robust boys lifted the front end of this car about a foot of the ground! (I believe those boys were later reprimanded for their behaviour!) Others like myself admired the novel engine placement at the rear of this vehicle as a great achievement of the time. It was my first fascinating look at the VW Beetle up close, inside and outside.

During the noon break we could clearly hear the blasts at the iron-ore mines in Sirigao. Making a rare and entertaining appearance to the school during noon was the highly erudite but eccentric Sacrula de Saligao who provided us with his astonishing speeches. Most students gathered around him to hear him. His trademark was his cycle, a Franciscan habit and an umbrella with an insignia. He was never afraid of heights. He liked to stand above the rest when his delivered one of his amazing speeches, and the parapet facing the school refectory posed no challenge for the extraordinary and unforgettable man.

With the afternoon school session drawing to a close it would be tea time. A conventional bell rung by the school clerk next to the headmaster’s office announced subject periods and recess times. Incidentally, I still recall that it was not an electric bell that summoned the boys to the refectory. In fact it was about a three foot long piece of a railway-track that hung next to the refectory. Struck repeatedly with an iron bar announced the call for lunch, tea and playtime breaks. After that the boys would run down the steps or take a winding path to the playing grounds on the west side of the hill. Football and hockey being major sports the old playing grounds could no longer hold the growing number of students. So a second ground was added which also served as the main venue for the annual sports and special events days. Incidentally, these grounds served the Indian Army to pitch their tents in December 1961. During this time the school remained closed for a brief period.

There was a time when Typewriting was a recognized subject by the Poona Board of S.S.C.E. and many students availed of this opportunity. So it was not an uncommon sight to see the students pounding away at the keys of Remington and Underwood typewriters in the afternoon soon after lunch in the typing room which was located adjacent to the Clerk’s office. The clatter from these typewriters could be heard far away. So the reason for this chosen time for typing practice was that other students should not get disturbed during the afternoon study period.

Although the years seem to have drifted away I cannot but help reminisce the bathing time after playing at those grounds when the “Boarding Father” assisted by volunteer students would shower students with buckets of water drawn from the well near the grounds. Then upwards on the winding path through the cashew fruit trees up the hill we trudged again for days, months and years on end. When we at last made to the hill-top just before dusk, far down below we could still the farmers tending to their vegetable patches and rice crops in the fields.

All the electrical work was done and maintained by a dedicated Friar. Tube lights were first installed in the chapel in the late fifties. The generator, or dynamo as it was popularly known then, was used only in the night up to 11 pm. and sometimes when the skies darkened in the daytime during the rainy season. A new “dynamo” with more wattage was installed in the late fifties to cater to the additional demand created by newly added classrooms. As the old one could no longer take the full load it was then put on stand-by in case of an emergency.

An interesting and nostalgic moment that I remember is being fascinated by the pump house with its engine turning a long belt that in turn pumped the water from the square shaped well – a remarkable engineering feat those days. As young boys we would put our ear on the pipe that ran up the hill to hear the faint murmur of the engine and the water gushing through it. The school also had a lightning conductor installed on the side of the steeple of the chapel. This provided safety not only for the school premises, but also protected to the surrounding villages from severe lightning strikes.

The Fathers saw that the students were physically fit and healthy. Periodic inoculations were done and records of height, weight and general growth of students were strictly kept. General hygiene and cleanliness was maintained to the highest possible level. Inspectors from from the SSCE Board were very pleased with the overall standard of the school and met their criteria and expectations. The boys were well instructed, well looked after, well-fed and passed as being robust and in good general health. For the physical training exercise, boys lined up for the “drill” under the giant old nunerca tree. This tree was a legend in its life time. It was like a mother that sheltered and protected her children under her huge arms from the hot sun and rain. Its own branch roots were very cleverly nurtured back into the earth with soil around it round tin pipes, thereby providing support for itself. Though botanists tried to save it, the old tree is no more. But a new one that was immediately planted in its place soon grew to its full sizes and provides a nostalgic reminiscence to the visiting scholar of the old days.

During the Portuguese regime there used to be what was called “Mocidade Portuguesa”, the regime’s youth organization. These cadets were dressed in full khaki uniform and all other smart gear that went along with it - like badges, socks, shoes, belts and caps. At this time when we had this gathering of students the school looked like a battalion especially when the Inspectors from Panjim visited our school and met the “Commandantes de Castela” of our school. The school had the honour and distinction of having one of its students chosen to participate in the Mocidade Convention in Portugal in 1955. A contingent from this unit was also chosen to maintain an orderly queue during the exposition of the body of St. Francis Xavier. Being students of this school at a transient time in the political history of Goa saw us standing to attention and singing the Portuguese national anthem, and later sang the Indian national anthem from January 1962 onwards. 'Mocidade Portuguesa' was transformed into the National Cadet Corps that followed after liberation which was an youth development movement adopted as a tool with enormous potential and incentive for nation building, with a sense for their all-round development for duty, commitment, dedication, discipline and moral values so that they could aspire to become future able leaders and useful citizens if they so wished with no liability for active military service.

Pre-liberation days also had one of the Fathers at Monte compiling his very own Chemistry Book especially for our School which was found to be exact and precise in meeting the standards prescribed by the S.S.C.E. Board, Poona.

Equally timeless were the days when movies were screened at Monte. The school had a 35 mm sound projector that used an arc lamp as its light source on which cinemascope movies could be run. This projector had a separate cinemascope lens. It is also called a spreader lens used to screen wide-screen format films. Adjustment requires special technique. We looked at it with awe and wonder. “Ten Commandments” was among the great epic films shown at Monte. Other great epics on celluloid shown were 'Ben  Hur', 'The Robe' and the 'Longest Day'. The projector was maintained and safely stored in the Projector Room. The movies were shown by Bro. Salvador assisted by a young technical wizard called Camilo, who was a naturally gifted master of everything - from typewriter repairs, printing (cyclostyling exam papers), binding, electrical and various other things. He was a genius born before his time. He taught some students how to make Holy Rosaries using beads and wires. This was the time when devotion to Our Lady of Fatima was in full swing in Goa in the mid-1950's. The glow-in-the-dark bead rosaries were much sought after. Among the school’s other possessions was a full-fledged Science Laboratory for Physics and Chemistry, a microscope, a telescope and a real skeleton in one of the cupboards for Physiology students. When I was a younger student there, I must confess that I used to be afraid to go near that cupboard! One of the other creepy moments at the school was when as a young lad I refused to turn my head towards the cremation grounds on the southern side of the football grounds on the way up after games at dusk.

I enjoyed a particular togetherness on the long walk to see the football or hockey game that our school participated in at the famed Duler grounds in Mapusa. A couple of “four anna” coins in our pockets would see us through a soda and an “ice-fruit”, quenching our thirst after a long trek up and down the Mapuça hill, and returning to the school at dusk. The students in their exuberant mood sang 'We are the boys of Guirim' to the tune of 'He's a Jolly Good Fellow'.

Although those times have long gone by, things seem to have happened just yesterday, when come rain or shine we held our heads up high and cheered our Alma Mater through it all. In those days nothing was impossible for the great Capuchin Friars. They would instantly declare half a day as a holiday and transform the Senior Dormitory into an auditorium for the concert, and the classrooms into temporary sleeping areas for the two nights. And that was one of the greatest highlights, the Annual Concert, with the Portuguese Governor General as the chief guest. It was held for two consecutive days. The senior dormitory had a full-fledged permanent drama stage at its southern end fitted with a rather unique front curtain. Rehearsals were held well in advance and directed by our very own in-house Music Father and excellent driver on the western coast - none other than Bro. Salvador. The renowned musicians of Johnson & His Jolly Boys from Siolim provided fantastic melodies of the day. The first day was for the school students. The second day was especially for the parents of the students and the general public. I still remember “Ali Baba and the forty thieves” as one the best plays acted out by the students, besides other items of songs in English, Portuguese and Konkani. The famous French student and later a teacher - Thomas Mendonca - acted in school plays. Students played classical recitals on the violin on stage to the astonishment of all. Young boys dressed in girls attire performed beautiful son and dance sequences. An interesting feature in this concert by one of the Brothers was the mesmerizing creation in the movement of the ocean waves in which a boat pitched up and down from end to end of the stage to the strains of the familiar tune singing: 'Merrily, merrily, row the boat ashore.' This display was second to none at the time, a masterpiece of a creative illusion that was a talk of entire Goa. It is my guess that it still remains to be duplicated. An Arts and crafts exhibition was also held on these two concert days. Another innovation of this Artist Brother was the direction of a painting done on stage by three young artists each with three sets of pails and three sets of colours, done in succession to music and voila! the scene was ready in three minutes. Equally impressive was the crisscrossing march on stage by students in uniform which apparently looked like an endless line of soldiers marching on to battle! On the second day a very early morning Mass service was held for boarders, day-scholars and teachers, followed by a grand breakfast in the auditorium-cum-dorm. Also before the starting of the concert on the second day prizes were distributed for best students in studies, good conduct, general proficiency, art and athletics. The school was also well known for its gymnastics that were held on the Annual Sports Day with the exciting cycle race as a grand finale.

The school observed World Mission Sunday in the month of October. On this Sunday all the donations and collections from worldwide Masses go to support churches, hospitals, schools and vocations. I remember that during my time in the early 1960's at Monte, the school observed and organized a fun-packed day-long Mission Sunday celebration. All the Fathers, Brothers, teachers and students at our school were involved in this exuberant annual event that was held opposite the plateau facing the beautiful Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi. The students organized and held various types of stalls with try-your-luck games, wheel of fortune, feed the tiger, etc. Entertainment was provided by the students singing the popular hits of that era. They gathered in small groups around the circular parapet under the shade of the famous nunerca tree and sang songs like 'Roses are Red' by Bobby Vinton, Elvis Presley's 'Surrender', Dean Martin's 'Cha Cha Cha D'Amour', Hank Locklin's 'Please Help Me I'm Falling' and several other hits prevailing at the time, to the accompaniment of guitars by students. Announcements by volunteer comperes were made over a megaphone. Folks from the surrounding villages patronized and attended this fête that was held with great enthusiasm and fervour. The purpose of this occasion was to create an awareness of giving among the students and helping the less fortunate. The proceeds generated from this program were sent to the poor and charities. As the day was about to end, and the sun was getting closer to the beautiful horizon of the Arabian Sea seen from the serene hill-top, it brought to a close a fun-filled and memorable day. It was time for Felicio the day-scholar to depart and reach home before dark after an exciting day.

One of the proud moments of the school was acquiring a brand new four-wheel drive Land-Rover in the late fifties. As a young student at Monte I remember admiring it with extreme awe and wonder at this automotive marvel. Prior to that the school had a brown-colour Austin Van that was used to get food supplies and other necessities on a daily basis from the Mapsa Market for the boarders. It also served as a mode of transportation for the foot-ball and hockey teams to Mapuca and Panjim during school tournaments. On a lighter and humorous note the old brown van was fondly known in Konkani as “gongurlo” (meaning beetle in English) probably referring to its slow motion up the hill. It had perhaps seen better days in its past and hard days in its later life trying to make it up and down the hill. It was easily recognized by the distinguishable drone of its engine. Towards its final days before being put into retirement it was not an uncommon sight to see the very football or hockey team it provided transport for, in aiding by pushing it up the hill. Also many a time the “Matric Class Big Boys” would quickly be summoned up at very short notice, even when class was in session, to help it up on its way or put a stone to chock the rear wheels and prevent it from rolling down. The big boys would always be proud of having been called to try their strength.

The school had its own bakery. It was also well-known for the wine produced by the Friars. On the south-eastern slopes of the hill overlooking Sangolda and Porvorim there was a pig farm – not of the local kind – these were white and imported. Monte de Guirim had some beautiful trees and flowers grown in the garden overlooking the monastery.

Once upon a time there was a flat wooden covered bridge that joined the senior dormitory to the refectory and junior dormitory buildings. But whenever a delivery truck loaded with firewood or other supplies came up it could not pass under it to drop the load on the upper terrace. So brilliant were the fathers of Monte – they were architects too and never ran out of ideas – that they had an arched RCC bridge constructed. But still somehow it seemed to be difficult for some trucks to pass under. Nothing could pose a challenge. So then they made a slight dip in the road at that point. And the trucks passed through happily ever after. Living up to the school’s motto: “Ad Ardua”, the Fathers, Brothers, Teachers, workers and students met with the challenges before them.

A small grotto existed before 1953 next to the bridge. Modifications were made in later years. In the mid 1950's the front facade was upgraded with the artistic input of Bro. Vitalis using natural rocky boulders and a recessed altar was added along with a decorative parapet and plants adding to its overall appeal. This improvement also further stabilized the retaining wall and the Music Room with a PA system and Garrard Record Changer above it. A grand celebration with a solemn Mass was held annually at the grotto in the evening of 8th December - the feast day of the Immaculate Conception - with a beautiful candlelight procession to St. Diogo's Church attended by folks of Guirim and Sangolda which was a beautiful sight to behold. As a young lad I attended this occasion accompanying my mother with a paper lantern that I had made especially for the occasion. 

Late in the fifties, an orphanage was added to the school, with separate accommodation for about 30 pupils down on the west side of the hill, consisting of a small building that was located adjacent to the old well and pump-house near the football grounds. I believe it was later moved up to another place near the monastery on the top of the hill.

During our final days at Monte, my classmates and I stood by and watched the new huge 3-floored building gradually rise on the north side of the chapel, supervised by the Principal, Fr. Pacificus. Other general improvements were made too during this time. In the late 1950's there was a sudden rise in the number of boarders due to the school's popularity. There was an increase in the numbers of boarders especially whose parents worked in East Africa and the Arabian Gulf. The class-rooms were almost bursting at the seams, each class with nearly 4 divisions, and each division having nearly 30 to 35 students. So a remarkable and ambitious temporary project was launched in order to accommodate this sudden rise while the new concrete building was getting ready. It was the construction of a giant thatched hall with wooden uprights and large bamboo poles - with over 8 classrooms on the eastern side of the main building with wooden partitions. Today a beautiful and modern structure stands in its place.

Also worth a mention is the first Ordination at Monte of one of the students to priesthood held in dormitory of the main school building.

The school was well-known for its Students Choir. A hymn very often heard on the Medium Wave Radio Panjim at seven o’clock in the morning was sung by St. Anthony’s Choir which was recorded at Emissora de Goa Studios.

The school provided employment to all, but specially those in the immediate vicinity around Monte de Guirim in their respective trades like masons, carpenters, cooks, helpers, gardeners, tailors, barbers, cleaners and launderers. Milk for tea was supplied by various local dairies.

There was one special day when students were allowed to attend classes dressed in their Sunday best, and that was on their birthdays. Some students distributed holy pictures to the Fathers, teachers and class-mates on such occasions with a typical hand-written message :

 "In remembrance of my birthday.
 Please pray for my success in my exams."

Below the above typical message was the individual's name and the date.

But time for us at the school was fast running out. It was our final year at the school. We would soon appear for S.S.C. Examinations and be no more at the school. But only return to cherish those wonderful memories whenever we paid a visit, eager to see how the school was progressing.

Daily life and routine between the boarders and day-scholars at the school were varied and quite different by comparison. I knew this well from day-schooling friends of mine. They had different stories to relate - from helping their parents in the fields to others who had food placed at their table. Some told stories of how they helped, in the fields and at home, drawing water from the wells and going to the nearby mill to have the rationed wheat ground into flour, while others shied away from telling even if they did.

But, I knew a day-scholar who became one of my best friends through the years. He lived in Guirim, commuting on foot every day all through my years at Monte. He always had a smile on his face and was liked by all. I admired his endurance and resilience to any given situation, come rain, floods or sunshine. He was a very hardworking student and did well in most subjects and steadily ranked among the top ten in our class. I used to see him hurrying with his books and his lunch tin, headed towards the special buthi room. What I did notice was that at times he did not carry his buthi, and came in straight to the class. I hoped to find out and solve the mystery some day. As it turned out, before we knew it, our final schooling year was about to end. In just another couple of months days at Monte would be over.

Finally, just before our S.S.C. Examinations, I gathered all the courage I had, and asked him as to why on certain days he had not carried his buthi during his last many years at Monte. What he then related to me was something that I definitely was not prepared for. And it shocked me to the core hearing his story. I wished I had known this all along. To my astonishment he described how on most days his mother somehow had managed to cook and provide the lunch in a tin; and how sometimes when she had fallen ill and had not been able to prepare it in time in the morning. Some times she had left home very early at dawn to work in the fields. And there were other times when they had nothing to cook at all. And those were the days when he had not brought his buthi. But, he would carry a four-paise coin that his mother gave him safely tied to a hand-kerchief lest should he lose it and go hungry. During the afternoon break this four-paise coin would see him through with a loaf of bread from the school’s kitchen and some sweets from the shop down the hill at the “T” junction. But those kitchen servers who worked there were nice and kind. They never took money from this boy. Nor did they know that one loaf of bread was all that he would have for his lunch. And I had not known this fact at all, all the previous years either.

Years went by since then. We did keep in touch at times in the subsequent years after SSCE. I met him once in Mapusa in the early seventies. He was shopping for provisions along with his mother. He still carried his trademark smile. It was a busy Friday market day as usual in the month of May. We both happened to be vacationing in Goa at that time, returning from work on our annual leave from different parts of the world. He insisted that I join him and his mother for drinks and snacks at Café Xavier which I gladly did. We chatted about the good old days for a while. When we had finished he even persisted to pay as well, and I relented. Drawing his wallet out from his pocket he paid. Then he looked into my eyes, slightly moist – perhaps thinking of his old days - the four-anna coin and the loaf of bread! But he did not say anything. For a while time seemed to have stood still. We both probably kept our thought to ourselves, reminiscing about a past that was. Only this time it was different - a sumptuous lunch would definitely await him today, I thought. Almost reading my thoughts he asked me to come over to his house for lunch, but I had to decline as I had to take provisions home myself to my mother who would be waiting for me. God bless him wherever he may be today.

In the fascinating and enchanting, peaceful and serene surroundings of Monte de Guirim, still stands high the mighty school of St. Anthony. While on these memories I always fondly dwell, they will forever give me a reason to relate to my children the wonderful stories of the great times at Monte, chat about it with my classmates of long ago and in wishing so as a finale, I would sum it all up with the following epilogue.

EPILOGUE

Through the fields

And foliage so verdant 

Up the hill I walk once more;

Yet again I trudge as an encore.

Standing on the portal

Of my sweet Alma Mater,

Once again in the cool shade I pause

Just as I had done in the summer heat

As a young lad long ago.

Beneath the old nunerca tree,

On its trunk our names I still see,

That we long ago had carved

As young lads so carefree.

*************************************************************

Some of the Fathers and Brothers that I remember through my time at Monte. 1953 - 1964

Fr. Pacificus, Principal
Fr. Diogo, Principal Excellent English & Konkani Preacher
Fr. Ambrose, Headmaster Excellent English Teacher
Fr. Patrick, Headmaster History / Good Hockey Player
Fr. Ephrem, Boarding Excellent Math Teacher
Fr. Chrysostom, Physics & Chemistry
Fr. Fortunato, Geography
Fr. Columban, English Excellent speaker
Fr. Ireneus, Religion / Excellent English & Konkani Preacher
Br. Vitalis, Art Director Excellent Artist / Brilliant Innovator
Br. Peter, Infirmary Well known throughout Goa for snake-bite cure
Br. Peter, Religion
Br. Polycarp, Infirmary
Br. Titus, Electrical Engineer
Br. Salvador, Music Director / Transportation / Very Good Driver