PANAJI
The mortal remains of Fr Vasco do Rego (96), noted Goan crusader, Konkani stalwart and Jesuit priest, were laid to rest at the St Xavier Church, Camp-Pune, on Friday.Fr Vasco do Rego SJ, passed away on Ash Wednesday at Ishaprema Niketan, Pune, where he lived for the past a few years.
Pune Bishop Thomas Dabre was the main celebrant at the Funeral Mass, while Jesuit Provincials Fr Roland Coelho (Goa Province) and Fr Agnelo Mascarenhas (Pune Province) along with 11 other Jesuits joined the concelebration.
While the Mass was in English, the first reading and a hymn was in Konknni. Fr Pratapananda Naik SJ, former director of Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr at Porvorim, preached the homily.
As per the will of late Fr Rego, there was no coffin, no socks, shoes, and gloves. His body was laid on the floor with three oil lamps representing the Holy Trinity. His body was carried on the bamboo bier. The entire simple, eco-friendly funeral service was appreciated and praised even by the Pune Bishop.
