The late Father Francis Gonsalves, a priest of the Order of Franciscan Capuchins, was a very compassionate and helpful human being. A priest and an educator, the mission and story of his life was all about helping people; everyone, irrespective of class, caste, color or religion. Whenever anyone needed help, Fr. Francis was there. Interestingly, his birth date was the same as that of Mahatma Gandhi. Francis was born on 2nd October, 1953 in Umralla, Nallasopara (north of the city of Mumbai) to Teresa and Solomon Fernandes. The second of three brothers; Alex, Francis and Louis Fernandes, Father Francis worked in various parts of India.
He was associated as a priest with Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Vidyavihar, Mumbai for 22 years and served Our Lady of Fatima School for almost 23 years in various capacities as Head-Master, Vice-Principal, Principal and Manager. He also served as the 1st Vice-Provincial of St. Bonaventure Province Maharashtra and completed a term of 6 years as Vice-Provincial. He served as Priest- in-charge of St. Joseph Chapel, Katta and the Superior of St. Padre Pio Novitiate. He was also the Assistant Parish Priest of Holy Magi Church in the area of Gorai on the Mumbai coastline. In the education field, he also served as Principal of Vidyamata High School in Osmanabad and Principal of St. Aloysius High School in Gorai.
One of his favorite poems, always on his desk or in his pocket, was the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis.
A few key lines from the poem which guided the life of Fr. Francis Gonsalves and inspired his caring and compassionate action for others:
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive…
Francis Gonsalves passed away on 11th July, 2015 in Vidyavihar, Mumbai. Father Francis (as he was popularly known) lives in our hearts through his compassionate actions and good deeds. We hope this award, in some small way, will keep that flame alive, the joy that arises from service, from good deed, helping anyone in need.
