HELLO FROM NEIGHBOURS & FRIENDS

Felicio good old neighbour and childhood friend, Manu, waved out from the balcao of his house across the street. He hollered a warm and enthusiastic welcome over the din of traffic. Felicio was glad to see that Manu had not altered the façade of his house. Manu had now retired from his job as the compositor at the printing press in the city after a service of 35 years.

BUSTLING WITH ACTIVITY

The city was bustling with great activity. It appeared to have undergone a metamorphosis. The footpath that ran beside Felicio’s house had now become a street and the once narrow lane in front had become a major thoroughfare. At first sight everything around seemed strange to him. He would somehow try to handle this unexpected situation and take the change in stride gradually, he thought.

DRIVING HOME

The drive home was an enjoyable and also quite an experience. Apartment buildings now dotted the entire landscape. Felicio was surprised to see the pace of construction going on in places where in the past rice crops were cultivated. Huge factories and their smoke stacks emerged high in the distance north-east of the Zuari.

LOCAL NEWS FROM THE CABBIE

Along the way the friendly cab driver casually gave Felicio a news brief first at state level, and then in a subdued tone a weather forecast followed by a general look at the prevailing situation of the land. As the taxi slowly came to a halt Felicio was surprised that he was home earlier than he had expected. He was quick to realize that it was due to the fact that new bridges were now built where none existed before, and so he did not have to wait at the ferry crossings, although he was rather perturbed to hear from the driver that the pride and landmark bridge over the river Zuari has some new problems.

SUCEGADO NO MORE

The breeze hit his face through the open window of the taxi bringing some relief from the heat of the afternoon sun. Scooters were plying about almost everywhere. It seemed that everybody on wheels wanted to overtake Felicio’s hired taxi. Everyone seemed to be in a rush. “Who said we were susegad?” he mused to himself, “or could it be the scooter riders were not Goenkar?” he wondered.

ALL BRIDGES LEAD TO HOME

The taxi took on the sweeping curves along the river bank. As they were about to turn homeward to the north at the T-junction at the base of the hillock Felicio saw the famous bridge looming over the Zuari river. The barges transporting the iron-ore slowly maneuvering their way under the bridge brought to mind a familiar sight of the past that had not changed.

Goa Revisited

It was a long flight over two oceans and three continents. The plane circled once around the airport, made a smooth landing and finally came to a halt. The air outside was distinct, but slightly humid for the time of year. The airport building had changed quite a bit since his last visit. Felicio’s holiday in Goa was about to begin.

PUSHKAR, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India

Pushkar (Hindi: पुष्कर) is a town in the Ajmer district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is situated 14 km (8.7 mi) northwest of Ajmer at an average elevation of 510 m (1,670 ft) and is one of the five sacred dhams (pilgrimage site) for devout Hindus. It is often called "Tirth Raj" - the king of pilgrimage sites - and has in recent years become a popular destination for foreign tourists.
Pushkar is one of the oldest cities of India. It lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake. The date of its actual origin is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation. It is mentioned that Brahma performed penance here for 60,000 years to have a glimpse of Vishnu.

~ Wikipedia

AJMER, Rajasthan, India

CHITTAURGARH, Rajasthan, India

GAUMUKH RESERVOIR

Chittaurgarh Fort

VICTORY TOWER
Chittaurgarh Fort

TEMPLE AT CHITTAURGARH FORT

Chittorgarh Fort (Hindi/Rajasthani: चित्तौड दुर्ग Chittorgarh Durg) is the largest fort in India and the grandest in the state ofRajasthan. The fort, plainly known as Chittor, was the capital of Mewar and is today situated several kilometres by road south ofBhilwara. It was ruled initially by Guhilot and later by Sisodias, the Suryavanshi clans of Chattari Rajputs, from 7th century, until it was finally abandoned in 1568 after the siege by Emperor Akbar in 1567. It sprawls majestically over a hill 180 m (590.6 ft) in height spread over an area of 280 ha (691.9 acres) above the plains of the valley drained by the Berach River. The fort precinct with an evocative history is studded with a series of historical palaces, gates, temples and two prominent commemoration towers. These monumental ruins have inspired the imagination of tourists and writers for centuries.

UDAIPUR, Rajasthan, India

Udaipur (उदैपर) (उदयपुर), also known as the  City of Lakes, is a city, a Municipal Council and the administrative headquarters of the Udaipur district in the state of Rajasthan in western India. It is located 403 kilometres (250 mi) southwest of the state capital, Jaipur, 248 kilometres (154 mi) west of Kota, and 250 kilometres (155 mi) northeast from Ahmedabad. Udaipur is the historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar in the former Rajputana Agency. The city is renowned for having the longest ruling dynasty in the world. The Royal House of Udaipur has had one family ruling since 600 AD to the present, making it the longest ruling dynasty whose descendants still retain their position.

Apart from its history, culture, and scenic locations, it is also known for its Rajput-era palaces. The Lake Palace, for instance, covers an entire island in the Pichola Lake. Many of the palaces have been converted into luxury hotels. It is often called the "Venice of the East", "The city of Romance" and is also nicknamed the "Lake City".^[2][3] Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar in this city are considered some of the most beautiful lakes in the state.

JODHPUR, Rajasthan, India

Jodhpur (Rajasthani: जोधाणा; Hindi: जोधपुर), is the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is located 335 kilometres (208 mi) west from the state capital, Jaipur and 200 kilometres (124 mi) from the city of Ajmer. It was formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name, the capital of the kingdom known as Marwar. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar desert.

The city is known as the "Sun City" for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred to as the "Blue City"^[4] due to the blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. The old city circles the fort and is bounded by a wall with several gates. However, the city has expanded greatly outside the wall over the past several decades. Jodhpur lies near the geographic centre of Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region much frequented by tourists.

JAISALMER, Rajasthan, India.

Jaysalmar  (Rajasthani: जैसलमेर), nicknamed "The Golden City", is a town in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is located 575 kilometres (357 mi) west from the state capital Jaipur. It was once known as Jaisalmer state. The town stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, crowned by a fort, which contains the palace and several ornate Jain temples. Many of the houses and temples are finely sculptured. It lies in the heart of the Thar Desert and has a population of about 78,000. It is the administrative headquarters ofJaisalmer District.

BIKANER, Rajasthan, India

Holiday Express

We're on our way!

Full steam ahead!

Welcome aboard, the train is empty.

THIVIM STATION, Goa.

Having departed from Thivim, Goa, India, we were on our way to Jaipur, via Kota.

Enchanting Jaipur

It has been a great and yet another nostalgic journey from Goa to Jaipur. We have been more than lucky in many ways. To miss a train is one thing, but to be able to find a subsequent one completely empty to board in just over an hour's wait is another story. There are the forts of Bikaner that I will always remember, sounds of the cities that I will always hear, winding pathways, roadways and the camel rides through the deserts of Jaisalmer, jokes and stories way past midnight in Kishingarh, the never-ending and winding shortcuts through the narrow roadways from Jodhpur to Jaipur via Nadol, stops at the wayside restaurants, and making notes of mileage and travel distances. The cameras kept on clicking away throughout the trip - of forts, towns, sunsets and bare 'neem' trees, and peacock and deer as we drove through the desert of Western Rajasthan.

Fredrick Charles Barboza

FIRST DEATH ANNIVERSARY - CHARLES FREDRICK BARBOZA - 28th DECEMBER 2009

MOUNT MARY

Bandra Feast.

During my years as a student in Bombay, I longed for the arrival of this date - the unforgettable date - that is the 8th of September, the feast of Our Lady of the Mount. It is a great day for all the faithful as well as for the business people. Thousands of peopke from all walks of life flock to the beautiful and religious shrine, irrespective of their caste, creed or religion to pay their annual homage and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

But for me as a young lad, the wait was more for the fun fair that I looked forward to - the games, the giant wheel, the different stalls selling different toys, clothes and snacks.

This majestic Roman Catholic Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, is situated on a hillock in Bandra, Mumbai, India. The week-long feast is celebrated and culminates on birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

During the time when I was in Goa as a young child, I accompanied other boys and girls from our village to St. Diogo's with little baskets of flowers and sang 'Devache Maie, pau to amkam'. During the celebration all children stood in line along the centre aisle and tossed the flowers up in the air over our heads in adoration.

OF VILLAGE CHAPEL FEASTS IN GOA

Feasts in Goa are commonly celebrated in almost each and every chapel or church dedicated to the village patron saint. It is customary that these feasts be celebrated by the “President” who bears all the expenses involved. In the absence of a president the village celebrates the feast by subscriptions from the people of their particular villages.

Of Village Chapel Feasts

It was the day of the feast of their patron saint in the village chapel. The chapel bell rang at 5 o’clock in the morning. The young boy had told his mother the previous night before going to sleep, to wake him up before five o’clock that morning, as he was very anxious to hear the band play the “Alvarada” soon after the bell. He did not want to miss hearing the tune he liked so much.

No sooner the pealing of the bell fell silent than the band started to play his favourite tune in full swing. It could be very clearly heard in the pre-dawn serenity and calmness of the morning, in spite of the chapel being quit a distance away from where he lived. The music sounded great and the boy was breathless trying to catch each and every note so that he could remember and hum it to himself later. Or perhaps one day he would learn to play it himself on an instrument like his neighbour did, he thought.

He would not go back to sleep again. He had to be on time for the first Mass as he had been selected to serve as one of the altar boys. On the way to the chapel he would try and memorize and repeat the Latin words to himself as he did not want to get them wrong or reply out of turn. In those days the Mass liturgy was in Latin.

As he neared the chapel in the misty early morning dawn, a girl dressed in her best approached running to the young lad, and picking a tiny paper flower from her small and neatly decorated basket, she pinned it on his shirt. Reaching in his pocket he deposited a coin in her basket for which she thanked him. This money was collected for the poor.

There used to be a lot of other Mass services that were held by the hour especially on feast days. The solemn high mass would start at 10 o’clock in the morning along with a lot of fanfare, pealing of bells, firing of crackers and the boom of the “khozne”.

There were lot of small stalls already lined up by the side of the chapel selling all sorts of things, sweets of different types, roasted gram, fire-crackers, balloon and toys.

The boy would never miss the concelebrated high mass by priests from other parishes specially chosen and invited for the occasion by the celebrant of the feast. More importantly this mass was never to be missed because there was special choir along with orchestral backing of various musical instruments like the oboe, flute, piccolo, clarinet, fife, cello, violin and the double bass.

The choir master tried to do his best waving his baton while he directed the choir of talented youngsters. The boy greatly admired so many voices blended so well together singing high and lows, first, second and thirds. Some of those faces of the boys in the choir were new to the boy. Perhaps they were chosen from another parish, he thought. Next year or perhaps even after that he would be selected and trained was his wishful thought.

A well known priest, famous for his thundering sermons, had been summoned for the grand high mass. He began by first invoking the patron saint to shower his blessings on the celebrant and his family, the villagers and their guests. He admired the beauty of the old chapel and praised the organizers for doing such a good job in decorating the chapel. He then intoned a short verse from the Scriptures in Latin that echoed through the chapel and followed with a brief explanation of the same. The sermon seemed quite long.

Otherwise the people would say it was very short. If it was short the people would say that he did not say anything at all. He was wiping the sweat off his face every now and then with his hand kerchief which he tucked in the broad sleeves of his vest while his black cap rested on the edge of the pulpit. He was a very good preacher, well prepared, loud and clear, and said everything to the point.

Twice in between his sermon he did say a verse again in Latin, words which he had especially chosen from the Scripture and gave a brief explanation of the same while outside the chapel, in the stalls, there was a lot of activity which was normal and usual during these types of feasts.

Then there was Holy Communion and Benediction during which the choir sang a beautiful and solemn rendition of “O Salutaris”. Later at the grand procession, the boy along with the other altar boys were walking at the front of the procession line, which was led by the celebrant carrying a holy banner of the day’s saint with Latin insignia written on it, followed by an assortment of clergy, confraria in their purple and red “opmus”, the villagers and their guests from far and near, while the chapel bells tolled amidst the sound of Gregorian chants that the band played trudging along last in the line.

After the Mass was over the boy, everyone wished “Happy Feast” to everyone else. Later as was customary the boy gave alms to the poor who lined up outside the chapel holding coconut shells in their hands. One of them, a frail old man said to the boy: “May you become a big and clever boy” And another old man with a cane said: “May God give you good health and a good job when you become big”. The boy wished he could distribute more change to the rest of them but he needed the change himself that was left. He did not want to run short.

So the boy then bought a small toy car for himself which he had seen and selected before the high mass services could begin. He had saved little money to buy it. Also his mother and grandmother had given him some money, saying: “Hey, son, this is for you, for the feast”. He used that money for some roasted gram and sweets and went on
his way home for a great lunch that awaited him.
While he walked home through the winding road through the fields and villages people were lighting crackers and some of them said to him from their balconies:
“ Happy Feast, come for the feast to our house” to which the boy replied “You must come to our house, Happy Feast to you too.”

IN MEMORY OF ADELE

Adele Chen Alvarez

Born: 1 February 1977

Died: 14 August 2009

(For an enlarged view please click on picture)

FOND MEMORIES

(Adele : far right)

It hurts us a lot to hear the very sad news about Adele's passing away. She was a very dear friend of my daughter Denise, and of her friends too. Adele was one of the team members who loved and enjoyed life. It is indeed very hurting that this charming and loving young member of this dynamic team has been abruptly snatched away prematurely. Through my daughter Denise and her friends we knew Adele and loved her a lot too, just like one of our very own.

Adele was our friend too. She had a great zest for life. We prayed and hoped that she would come out of her dreadful illness. I am very sorry to hear about her passing away, and find it difficult to believe that she is no more.

I remember the day when Adele together with one of her most dearest friends, Desiree, took a 3-hour bus journey, changing 3 buses, all the way to Mississauga from Scarborough to see us soon after we arrived in Canada. She also had us over at her place for lunch at her Scarborough home in the late 1990's while she tried to make us feel at home.

But above all, I will miss her typical, distinct and infectious giggle, her admirable personality and her perpetual smile.

Together we grieve. I can almost hear her giggle and see her smile. A wonderful youthful person has left us just after five years of her marriage that we attended. We think and pray for her loving and supportive husband Alex, her loving mother, father, brother and relatives, offering our most heartfelt sympathies.

Never has a day been more sad than today.
Adele Chen Alvarez was only 32. I cannot believe she's gone. Long, long before her time.
She will be missed by all those who knew her.

WORLD GOA DAY

GOENCHI VODDVIKAI

(Konkani Poem)

Celebrating World Goa Day - 20th August 2009
by Tony Fernandes

Goeam, Goeam, Goa, Goa munnon,
Pois thaun aundde kaddun
Pollounk axetam boro tuzo fuddar and boremponn
Porke zatik sangtam zaite tujem vhodponn
Dukh maka dista atam aikun
Bailea lokan vaitt tuka kelam legun.

Goeam, Goa, munnon, zaitoch tuzo ugddass kortam
Don-tin vorsanim pollounk tuka aum etam,
Tuji suropaieche fottu zaite aum kaddtam,
Porto bhair vetoch sodanch te polletam
Ani kallzak tenkoun samballun te dovortam.

Sam Francis Xaviera dhi maka tum gottai,
Udenticho missionar khorench tum vortotai
Samball kor Goencho ani Goenchea lokacho
Kednanch sandinakaim, kiteak etolom aum ek dis porto.

Nimanom soddchea adim aum ho ullas
Favo kor munn magtam atin gheun hi kals
Bagounk moji ekuch axea
Mathi dhi maka mojea ganvchi khaxea.

Tony Fernandes

WORLD GOA DAY

GOENCHO UGDASS

(Memories of Goa)

Poem in Konkani by Tony Fernandes

Celebrating World Goa Day - 20 August 2009

Ugddas burgeaponnailo maka sodanch eta,
Jednam xinkunk ami Escola Primaria
Barabor chollon ami vetale
Ani daktule uzar kelele cherache batlen
Slate pussunk irlexem udok ami vortale.

Primeir, segund, tercer, kaddun talle
Ladainh cantad ami kortale;
Salve kabar zalea uprant
Kotten vath pettoun
Xamainchea atik dhorun ghara vetale.

Ugddas maka sodanch eta
Novea Vorsacho ani Natalanche ratricho;
Modianichem miss zalea uprant
Vaddeantlea lokak uttoitale
Zage ravon amchea daktulea vaddeant
Cantaram korun rath sartale.

Boas Festas do Natal, Feliz Ano Novo,
Deu Boro Dis Dhium, Deu Bori Rath Dhium,
Kai borim him vinchun kaddlelim utranim
Sogleank ami vodkitaleum.

Gaunchea Festachi feri
Pollounk disso chodd bori
Khuxealkaien lok kori festachi toeiari,
Fath-gravat bandunk urba amkam etali
Ani Corar ravon amim Miss Cantad kori.

Ugddas maka sodanch eta
Ponjeche taricho ani Goencheam ferri-bottincho
Vollok korunk ek zantti maka vinchari
Baba tum khuincho?
Tor gorib aum zaun khoro
Fokannanim zabab ditalom
Ek batkar munn aum Guirvodcho.

Visronk ekdom kottin Mapxencho bazar
Kiteak khuinchoruch naslo eka tempar
Itlo voddlo mercad - kherit bazaracho dis aslo ek Sunkrar
Meutaleo vostu thuim zinsanvar
Punn atam tor teka poloixi zalear
Zaleat tache Bara Berestar ani Tera Sunkrar.


Tony Fernandes June 1989

ST. ANNE DE BEAUPRE, QUEBEC

Cathedral of

ST. ANNE de Beaupre

Quebec, Canada

(Our Visit to the Shrine in 2002)

Church of St. Anne

Parra, Bardez, Goa - India

(where I attended Mass - on Feast Day, 26 July - as a young lad)

Chapel dedicated to
ST. ANNE

Guirim, Cumbiem Morod,
Bardez, Goa - India.

(where I grew up)

GOD BLESS OUR HOME

GOD BLESS OUR HOME

This is a sign that comes in various forms, sizes and designs, pictures, drawings, carvings in many homes. It can be purchased in many stores. By having a sign that reads 'God Bless Our Home' we are asking God to bless us and our families, by keeping us in peace and harmony, safe and united.

Catholic homes in Goa, India, have little a wooden niche with hinged glass doors called 'ollont-tor' (Konkani, ollont: wall; tor: tower or spire), placed into a recess made in the wall of the prayer hall, in the houses of the rich and poor alike. There is also a provision of a stand where candles, an oil lamp or vases with flowers can be placed. The 'ollont-tor' is almost a miniature representation of a church or chapel facade, with a graceful and artistic hand-carved ornamented gothic spire topped with a cross and columns on either side of the glass door.

Inside the niche, statues of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, St. Francis Xavier, St. Anthony and others saints are placed. The miniature high altars come in various shapes, colours and sizes. The front of the base bracket is usually draped with a decoratively embroidered cloth with the caption "GOD BLESS OUR HOME". In addtion to this many homes have plaques or pictures with this invocative phrase calling for blessings of the Lord Almighty.
As a child I remember these niches were sold at the Feast of Nossa Senhora de Milagres in Mapusa and at the Feast of Nossa Senhora de Candelaria in Pomburpa, Bardez, Goa. India.

In the old houses of our ancestors, we could see as many as 15 large framed pictures of our favourites saints above, and on both sides, of this miniature high altar. Hiding behind one or more of these icons would be the lizards making brief appearances at intervals during the evening Rosary time, preying on insects or moths that were drawn to the burning candles - while we prayed!

In many homes a separate bracket complete with candles and a lamp is dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour with special devotional prayers and novenas recited every Wednesday. 
The above pyrographic drawing is made

on pine wood plaque size 7" x 5"

by Tony Fernandes

ADEUS 'RIVER PRINCESS'

The Last Crab says

ADEUS

to the

'RIVER PRINCESS'

as it leaves for a safer environment.

(For an enlarged view please click on the drawing)