PANAJI
The final rites of Dr Santiago Lusardi Girelli, the visiting research professor under the Western Music Chair of the Goa University and the director of the Goa University Choir, who passed away due to covid related pneumonia on Wednesday, were performed at the Archbishop’s House in Panaji on Thursday in the presence of his wife Dr Clara Astarloa. Stating that his loss is a great loss to the family, friends and the Goa University Choir, Archbishop Filip Neri Ferrao said, “This was least expected. Our hearts are full of sadness. But at the same time, we must remember that Santiago was a great gift to his family, his friends and the entire musical world. He was the greatest gift God had given us. God knows when to give us gifts and when to take them away, let us surrender this gift back to God.”
After blessing his body before the funeral procedures could begin, the Archbishop, other priests along with Santiago’s family, offered prayers for the departed soul.
Deeply saddened to announce the passing of their gifted, charismatic and beloved professor, the colleagues at the Goa University offered a tribute to the departed soul that fought a long and brave battle with Covid. The statement issued by the Goa University says, “He came all the way from Argentina to establish and direct Goa University Choir, thereby, enormously enriching our institutional life. He has left a void that we will struggle to fill.”
