Pratapananda Naik, SJ
On Friday 28th August the Catholic Church commemorates the memorial of the death of St. John the Baptist. On that day Eric surrendered his life in the hands of his creator around 2.45 pm. Jesus too surrendered his life in the hands of His Father on Friday around 3.00 pm. Is it a coincidence or providence that there is a close similarity in these events? It is worth reflecting.
At 11.00 am on Sunday 31st the mortal remains of Eric were brought to Valencia Church. He was dressed with the traditional dress of our ancestors, namely, puddvem, kutanv and head gear. He looked like a sleeping king!
The Holy Mass began at 11.15 am. Fr. Roque D’Sa, the parish priest was the main celebrant. He was joined by a number of priests. I preached the homily.
I reached Mangaluru on Sunday at 4.45 am. I stayed at the Milagres Church. After taking a little rest, I wanted to practice my homily. Though I had gone with the required preparation, at Milagres presbytery, I was trembling with fear. Mind was becoming blank. Though the points were there in my own handwriting before me, words were not coming out of my mouth. The second time, I tried. A little improvement. I didn’t know what to do. I went down to the church compound. As a preparation for the Feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary (8th September), the statue of Maria Bambina (Baby Mary in the cradle) was kept in a glass container and surrounded by flowers brought by the devotees. As a devotee of Mother Mary, I closed my eyes and pleaded with her to come to my rescue. Then hiring an auto rickshaw, I went to the Valencia Church.
After I read the Gospel, something happened within me. Did the Holy Spirit inspired me or Eric? I do not know. I spoke from my heart with conviction and authority. Words just flowed out of my mouth without my effort! I must have preached for 14 to 15 minutes. After the Mass, in the sacristy a number of priests came and told me that they were really touched the way I spoke. I was surprised to hear this, because rarely priests have given me the feed back. As a habit, I do not expect orp long for the appreciation.
After the Mass the body was kept outside the church in a large pandal for the State Funeral with the Police brass band and gun salute. The health minister and the other government officials were present. After this at 1.00 pm the body was taken to Kalaangan (an artistic complex for performance arts), Shatkinagar for public viewing. There a large pandal and stages were prepared for the event. Mandd Sobhann Troupe which was formed by Eric presented a number of songs for which Eric had composed melody and music. St. Mother Theresa Brass Band from Hadinbal, Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka added solemnity for the event with their music. Arun Raj Rodrigues compered the entire event with his unique style. In between various chosen speakers from different fields including people of other faiths, who had a close association with Eric were invited to share their experiences. Both at the Valencia Church and Kalaangann a large crowd of all faiths camr to pay their respect to Eric.
At 5.00 pm the body was taken to the electric crematorium, Bolar. Tomorrow morning (Monday) the ashes will be brought to Kaalangann and the Mandd Sobhann members will decide with the family members the future course of action.
The church and Kalaangann were packed with people. At the crematorium a large crowd of friends and admirers of Eric were present. The entire event was well planned and meticulously executed.
So far no person in the history of Konknni has contributed in so many different fields related to Konknni as much l as Eric has done with his Mandd Sobhann members. Eric has become one in the ocean of eternity. He has become the Greatest Emperor of Konknni. Now his legacy and Mission will be carried forward by the Mandd Sobhann members with our support.
I was totally taken aback by the number of people (practically everybody) of alll ages, men and women came to me after the Mass, at Kalaangann, and at the crematorium to thank me for my homily. They were saying that I gave the best and appropriate tribute to Eric and wiped out all the false allegations attributed to Eric by his opponents!!!
Really a rare miracle took place today. This has happened due to the prayers of my WhatsApp group members and due to the special blessing of Mother Mary. I have absolutely no doubt about it. I have already thanked Mother Mary once again, by visiting the Maria Bambina statue at Milagres. Now I thank you🙏 for your prayers and encouraging words. The credit goes to you for your valuable prayers. Kindly continue to pray for me and my pastoral ministry at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa and the Mission of 3 L (least, last, lost) students and their needy families.