Humanity Joins in Final Journey of Michael Leo Serrao
By Rons Bantwal
Bellevision Media Network
Mumbai, 10 Oct 2013: The funeral of fifty-eight-year-old Michael Leo Serrao, a native of Kinnigoli in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka who passed away in the suburban Bhayandar, a few days ago was held as per Catholic rites at St Joseph’s parish, Mira Road (East) here on Thursday October 10 at 4.30pm.
Michael was a bachelor who was working in metro since the past 18 years. He was shunned by his 5 brothers and one sister because of his wayward nature. He passed away in the sleep when he returned to his staff quarters while working as waiter at Hot Sip Bar, located at Gokuldham, Bhayandar (East).
The Bar owners Ravindra Shetty and Uday Shetty Simantoor, social activist Nancy I Sequeira, Roland Noronha, Harry R Sequeira, John Serrao, Alwyn Ranipura and others interested in humanity joined in the final journey of Michael on the occasion.
Mira Road (East) parish priest Fr Dominic Vas and assistant parish priest Fr Michael Moras conducted the funeral service.
Humanity prevails in funeral service
As per the wish of Bar owners who wanted to give Catholic burial rites to orphaned Michael, led by Rons Bantwal, while Muslim brethrens offered the flowers. The Hindu brethrens carried the coffin of Michael at the cemetery, amidst Catholic rites performed by clergies, the Muslim brethrens dropped a handful of soil grave after the coffin was lowered into it. It was indeed a gesture of humanity. Nancy I Sequeira transported the coffin supplied by Mira Road (East) parish to the morgue of Bhagavati Hospital, and dressed the mortal remains of Michael with the clothes brought by her, to show women also hare humanity in the midst of chaotic world.
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| Philip Mudartha, Charlotte, NC, USA | Fri, October-11-2013, 7:29 |
| Thank you, the social workers and well-wishers of late Michael. may the Lord forgive him his sins and grant his soul eternal peace. While reporting the stories on his death, wait for last rites and final interning rituals, the stress laid on his waywardness and seeking his own pleasures could have been avoided. After all, he cannot defend and tell his story. I have lived abroad for most of my adult life. But, I am purvy to stories of dozens of men, married - bachelor, married bachelors and run-away married bachelors and so on, living as recluse being shunned by his folks and the Catholic Church. The Church chairty does not reach out to inherited souls but seems to go in search of souls not in its fold, ironically. I am not a socialogist, but I can imagine the stresses and strains in a catholic household of 14 mouths to feed from income on a remote farm land. And its cascading effect on the health, attitude and behavior of late Michael. It is a shame that none of the other surviving siblings at least showed up for a final adieu. Its difficult to believe forgiveness is not a virtue their catholic faith has taught them! | |
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