Fr Bolmax Pereira along with members of the Goan community during his visit to the UK in 2025.
LONDON
As the Goan community in the UK mourned the sad and untimely demise of Chicalim Parish Priest Fr Bolmax Pereira on May 26, his visits to the UK in 2024 and 2025, when he celebrated Masses, set up the UK Chapter of the Chicalim Youth Farmers Club and even acted in a Tiatr, were fondly remembered by Goans.
Paying rich tributes to the late Fr Bolmax on behalf of the Goan community, Fr Lucas Rodrigues SFX, presently based in Swindon, said Fr Bolmax was a faithful priest of God whose deep love for his vocation shone through his mission to bring Jesus to everyone.
“As a fruitful and compassionate pastor, he truly understood the pulse of his flock. He remained grounded, approachable, and deeply attentive to the needy, the broken, and the vulnerable,” said Fr Lucas.
“A remarkably gifted priest, he used every talent God gave him to build up parishes, families, youth, and communities. From the pulpit to the stage, and from agricultural cultivation to protest marches, Fr Bolmax was a prophetic voice. He worked tirelessly not only to save souls for God but also walked the extra mile to protect our motherland.”
“His love for future generations was immense. By guiding the youth to be faithful followers of Christ, he challenged, encouraged, and inspired them to protect and cultivate the land. He was a man of God, faithful to his calling, and never afraid to speak for the voiceless.”
“With his passing, the Archdiocese of Goa has lost a faithful priest, and Goa has lost a champion of justice for its land and people. On a personal note, I have lost a courageous mentor and a dear friend.”
CELEBRATING MASSES
During his visits to the UK in 2024 and 2025, Fr Bolmax had praised the Goans for preserving their faith in the country.
Fr Bolmax celebrated Masses and interacted with the Goan communities at Heathrow Airport, Wembley and Swindon, where he was given a warm and rousing welcome.
At Heathrow Airport, Fr Bolmax spoke about the importance of maintaining relationships and unity within one's family.
Fr Bolmax Pereira along with the Goan community at the St George Chapel in Heathrow Airport in 2024.
After the homily, Fr Bolmax delivered a special message in Konkani to all Goans at Heathrow Airport. He appreciated the Goans for preserving their faith in the UK by going to church and participating in liturgical and parish activities.
At the end of the Mass, people lined up to meet Fr Bolmax and to seek his blessings.
Fr Bolmax had also celebrated Masses at the St Joseph Church in Wembley and the Holy Rood Church in Swindon, where he prayed for the health and well-being of the Goan community in the UK.
At Wembley, Fr Bolmax had highlighted the urgent need to protect and preserve the environment and also emphasised the importance of unity among the Goan diaspora in the UK.
Fr Pereira also addressed the importance of unity within the Goan diaspora, calling on members of the community to come together as one.
“We must not allow distractions or divisions to weaken our identity and purpose,” he had said. “Together, we can preserve not only our cultural roots but also be a force for good in the society we live in.”
YOUTH FARMERS' CLUB IN UK
At the initiative of Fr Bolmax, the Chicalim Youth Farmers Club (CYFC) had officially launched its chapter in the UK.
During his address to 8 members attending the first official CYFC overseas meet at Bekonscot Model Village in the UK, Fr Bolmax reaffirmed CYFC’s dual vision: reviving traditional agriculture and fostering ecological consciousness among Goan youth.
Fr Bolmax Pereira while interacting with youth of the UK Chapter of the Chicalim Youth Farmers Club in 2025.
“We grow wherever we go, not only as individuals but as a community rooted in the soil of Goa and flourishing across the world,” he had told the members.
During his visit to the UK, Fr Bolmax had visited Goan families cultivating vegetables and fruits in community allotments managed by parish councils in Swindon.
Fr Bolmax had commended their efforts, remarking, “Working the soil, wherever we are, keeps us connected to creation and to our Goan spirit.”
ACTING IN TIATR
Fr Bolmax even acted in the Konkani Tiatr ‘Tuzo Godfather’ presented by UK Goan Events Ltd, which was staged in Swindon, Wembley and Southall. The Tiatr ‘Tuzo Godfather’ highlighted some of the issues that Goans face in Goa.
Fr Bolmax Pereira, who had acted for the first time in UK, had been pleased with the huge response to the Tiatr.
“The demand was so high that additional chairs were added to cope with the demand. Many Goans who normally don’t go for Tiatrs also attended the show. More so, because the message from the Tiatr had such an impact on the crowd, and it took Swindon by storm,” Fr Bolmax had earlier told The Goan.
“Incidentally, many people tried to reach me before and after the show, as they were keen to understand the relation between what the show was about and things that are generally on social media and ground reality.”
Fr Lucas Rodrigues SFX (second from right), Fr Bolmax Pereira (extreme right) and others during the Konkani Tiatr ‘Tuzo Godfather’ in the UK.
“Goans at large in London are aware of the situation, and many understood the message which the Tiatr ‘Tuzo Godfather’ was about and the ground realities in Goa. The feedback from the public was very positive.”
“The message conveyed by the Tiatr is something most Goans are aware of, but the Tiatr expressed it in a very powerful way.”
A record 315 faithful attended the Mass celebrated by Fr Bolmax Pereira at the St George Chapel on the basement of Heathrow Airport in 2024, and many more had to be accommodate on top of the chapel, due to security reasons. He was happy to celebrate the Mass in Konkani. The next year, he visited again as he had come to the UK to perform in a Tiatr and again on short notice, he made time to see us and he delivered a homily during Mass. We will miss him.
Leister Martins, President of United Friends Heathrow, UK
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Mourning the loss of a remarkable soul who fed both our spirits and our communities. As a devoted shepherd, Fr Bolmax led us closer to God; as an agriculture innovator, he showed us the beauty and bounty of God’s creation. He taught us that tending the earth and serving humanity are sacred callings. We will miss his wisdom, his vision, and his tireless hands. May he rest in the eternal harvest of the Lord.
Rowena Mascarenhas, Senior leader in Washington D.C.
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Such disheartening news to wake up to .. amidst an unjust world that stands by quietly, his was a voice that dared to resonate and demand justice and call out the corrupt! May his passing truly help each of us take moments to self reflect and ponder about what we can do in our own small way to make our world a better place to live in. May his soul rest in eternal peace! Condolences to his family and all of Goa and Goans around the world too.
Maria Gomes Fernandes, Susegad Goans-Borivli Mumbai (Core Team)
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