By Winston Suares
Brahmavar, Jul 24: The 87th memorial feast of Blessed Fr. R.Z.Noronha was held on July 22 and 23 in a grand manner at St Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Cathedral here.
Blessed Fr R Z Noronha is the one who preached ‘orthodox Faith’ to the coastal belt. He was the first vicar general of St Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, Brahmavar. On the resurrection Sunday of 1889, he offered the first Holy Eucharist at Brahmavar. He shepherded the Orthodox Konkani community in and around Brahmavar for more than five decades. His saintly life was very evident to all and on December 6, 2015 Catholicos H H Baselios Marthoma Paulose II declared Fr R Z Noronha as ‘Regional Saint’. Even after more than 80 years of his death his memory has taken deep roots in the hearts of Brahmavarians. Every year his memorial feast is celebrated at SMS cathedral.
Pirjent Thomas Daniel Lewis and family, Adarsh Nagar, Brahmavar sponsored this year’s feast programme.
The feast began on Saturday, July 22 with a procession from the cathedral through Brahmavar town. Father Noronha is venerated by the locals belonging to all faith, caste and creed. The procession was received with great joy, singing hymns and the soft music of brass band. Vesper prayers were conducted at the church. Fr Lawrence David Crasta delivered a sermon on Fr Noronha’s multi-faceted personality. He said, “He was a great educator, a spiritual father, writer and social reformer. Large number of people have received blessings from the intercession of Fr Noronha and now also many seek his intercessory prayers.” The devotional session concluded with benediction.
On Sunday, July 23, the feast holy mass was celebrated. Former vicar general of SMS Cathedral Fr C A Isaac was the chief celebrant. Assistant vicars Fr Lawrence D'Souza and Fr Marwin D’Silva assisted him. In his devotional address, Fr C A Isaac said, "Fr Noronha was always available for the needy, common men living next door. He found God serving people. We should see God in people around us. This is what our beloved saint Fr Noronha taught us and we should follow his footsteps.” After the mass, incense and prayers were offered at the tomb of Padre Noronha.
Assistant vicars Fr Joseph Chacko, Fr Noel Lewis and Fr Abraham Kuriakose were also present at this occasion.
More than 2000 devotees participated in the feast and food was served on both days.
Fr M C Mathai, the vicar general proposed a vote of thanks. Trustee Milton Olivera, secretary Lawrence D’Souza and managing committee members were also present.